IPL 2026: Preity Zinta’s tense interview with Shreyas Iyer, Ponting’s dejected view of trenches sums up PBKS collapse

PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta with captain Shreyas Iyer after the match. (Download video)

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings’ alarming slide from early-season dominance to complete late collapse deepened in the ongoing IPL 2026 on Sunday as a heavy defeat by Royal Challengers Bengaluru marked their sixth straight loss and left their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.Ponting’s desperation, Zinta’s serious talk with IyerA side that once looked unstoppable – unbeaten in seven games with six wins and no results in the first half of the season – has now hit a major stumbling block at the worst possible time. Having lost their momentum and their confidence visibly shaken, Punjab Kings are now not only fighting for a win but also relying on more results to stay alive in the playoffs. The emotions of the collapse were evident off the pitch. Head coach Ricky Ponting was seen in the dugout with a frustrated, almost resigned expression, sitting alone as yet another defeat unfolded. Meanwhile, franchise co-owner Preity Zinta was spotted in a serious, lengthy conversation with captain Shreyas Iyer after the match, underscoring the growing tension surrounding the team’s campaign.RCB storm into the playoffs as PBKS fade away againRoyal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, became the first team to confirm their place in the playoffs with an impressive all-round performance. They amassed 222/4, powered by Virat Kohli’s 58 off 37 balls and a blistering unbeaten 73 off 40 from Venkatesh Iyer, with valuable contributions from Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David.Chasing 223, Punjab Kings were restricted to 199/8 despite a fighting 56 off 27 balls from Shashank Singh. The defeat stretched their losing streak to six games after a once-dominant start to the season.Shreyas Iyer admitted after the match that the game was effectively decided early. “Obviously they started off great… I think they lost the game on the powerplay,” he said.He also pointed to the imminent collapse of the top order. “We were three down… the starts they were giving us in the power play we obviously couldn’t make it this time,” Iyer added.

Should Punjab Kings make a big change in their line-up for the next match?

Despite the slump, the PBKS captain remained defiant in spirit. “I’m always positive regardless of the results,” he said, adding a philosophical note: “I’ll see the sunrise again tomorrow… there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”