IPL Points Table 2026: Punjab Kings suffered a major setback in the Indian Premier League 2026 playoff race after losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 23 runs in Match 61 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The defeat was PBKS’ sixth consecutive loss of the season and left Shreyas Iyer’s side in a must-win situation ahead of their final league-stage match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 23.
PBKS made a dream start to IPL 2026 by winning their opening seven matches and looked set for an easy playoff qualification. However, a dramatic collapse in the second half of the season has pushed last year’s runners-up to the brink of elimination.
Despite the poor run, Punjab Kings are still mathematically alive in the playoff race. PBKS currently have 13 points from 13 matches and can reach a maximum of 15 points if they defeat LSG in Lucknow.
However, qualification is no longer in Punjab’s control. The franchise will now need favourable results from other matches as multiple teams remain in contention for the final playoff spots.
A defeat against LSG would officially eliminate Punjab Kings from the tournament.
RCB Outclass PBKS in Dharamsala
RCB produced a dominant all-round performance to become the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Batting first, Bengaluru posted 222 for 4 in 20 overs, powered by unbeaten 77 from Venkatesh Iyer, 58 from Virat Kohli and 45 from Devdutt Padikkal.
Punjab Kings suffered an early collapse in the chase after losing Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh and captain Shreyas Iyer inside the powerplay. Shashank Singh fought back with a half-century, but PBKS eventually finished on 199 for 8.
