File photo: Preity Zinta and Yuzvendra Chahal (X Photo) NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings are the team to beat in the ongoing IPL 2026, having won six out of seven matches so far and lead the standings with 13 points. They remain the only unbeaten side this season, with their only point drop coming in a rain-induced washout against Kolkata Knight Riders earlier in the campaign.PBKS are currently sitting comfortably at the top with a three-point lead over their nearest rivals. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals occupy the remaining playoff spots, all on 10 points each and separated only by clean run.
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Yuzvendra Chahal on team mentality, high scores and bowling challenges in IPLAfter their record-breaking run against Delhi Capitals, PBKS co-owner and actor Preity Zinta – a constant presence in the stands – took to social media to have a blast with the fans. “Today seems like the perfect day for an impromptu #pzchat! Ask questions guys,” she wrote on X.What followed was a viral moment, thanks to PBKS veteran Yuzvendra Chahal. In response to Zinta’s impromptu chat, Chahal made a hilarious request: “Mam ek match mein open batting karne ka chance mil jaaye toh,” accompanied by laughing emoticons. This playful plea quickly caught the attention of fans online.On the field, however, Chahal endured a tough season despite the team’s dominant leadership. He managed just four wickets in six innings in seven matches, with best figures of 2 for 28 and an economy rate of 9.76. In fact, the PBKS bowlers have relatively modest returns overall, with Arshdeep Singh leading the pack with seven wickets in seven innings to rank 27th in the Purple Cap race.The team’s success was largely due to its batsmen. Prabhsimran Singh was in stellar form, scoring 287 runs at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 192.61. Captain Shreyas Iyer has been equally impressive with 279 runs at an average of 69.75 and a strike rate of 186. Meanwhile, Priyansh Arya (254) and Cooper Connolly (240) are also in the top 15 in the Orange Cap standings, underscoring the batting dominance of PBKS this season.
