Ricky Ponting blames KKR washout for Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 shocking downward spiral as playoff hopes hang by a thread

Ricky Ponting blamed the washout against KKR for PBKS' downward spiral in IPL 2026.

Published on: May 23, 2026, 10:22:33 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Ricky Ponting blamed Punjab Kings' washout against Kolkata Knight Riders as the reason for their downward spiral. After a dominant start to the season, PBKS have almost bottled their chances of reaching the IPL 2026 playoffs. Led by Shreyas Iyer, They are now fifth in the standings with 13 points. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are fourth with 14 points.

PBKS are on the verge of elimination. (PTI)

At one point, PBKS were on top of the table. Now they have lost six matches in a row and need to defeat Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday in their final league game. If PBKS beat LSG, they will finish with 15 points. Their qualification won't be confirmed yet, as RR and Kolkata Knight Riders can still knock them out. RR can qualify with 16 points. Meanwhile, KKR can also finish with 15 points, and NRR will then be the decisive factor. If PBKS lose to LSG, then they will be eliminated.

Also Read: Explained: What happened between Virat Kohli and Travis Head that led to frosty post-match scenes

‘That washout against KKR’

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Ponting said, "We were exceptional for our first seven or six games. Then we had that washout against Kolkata Knight Riders, and I think from that moment on we've just been a little bit off and as I said they're small things. They're one or two balls or they're an over here and there that quite conceivably, we could have won another three or four games, but we've only got ourselves to blame for that."

"We're in the situation that we're in as a result of not playing at our best over the last few weeks, but we've also got a very good idea of what our best cricket looks like and what it is and what we have to do to win tomorrow, and that's all we can focus on."

Against LSG, they face a team that is already eliminated. For LSG, it will be all about pride at stake. They have also won three of their last four matches. "I mean they, Lucknow, going into tomorrow," said Ponting.

"Apart from probably personal pride and pride for the franchise's performance, they've really got nothing else to lose, so teams can be dangerous in that way. But we understand that, we know that, and that's the way that I want my boys to play as well. I want us to be fearless and I want us to be daring, I want us to take the game on and not be worried about what might happen, the negative things that might happen in the game," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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