PBKS have taken the axe from CSK

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag noted how Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been self-destructive like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) towards the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The Shreyas Iyer-led side, after a stunning unbeaten first half of the campaign, have now lost six matches in a row, and have entered must-win territory.

PBKS need a win in their upcoming last league-stage game against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), to get to 15 points, and rely on other results as well. There is only one vacant spot in the top four, with the likes of RCB, GT, and SRH, already securing qualification after hitting the 18-point mark.

PBKS and CSK have arguably been the two most out-of-form sides in the business end of the tournament. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side’s fate was sealed after they recently lost three matches in a row to LSG, SRH, and GT, becoming the third team to be knocked out of the playoffs race this season.

“PBKS have taken the axe from CSK, because in five of those seven matches, they struck themselves on the foot. They should have won atleast 2-3 of those. Some huge mistakes were made,” Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

PBKS failed to win any of their three matches in Dharamshala, conceding over 200 runs in each of those outings. They had a solid opportunity to return to winning games, especially in the matches against DC and MI, who are languishing near the bottom of the table.

While defending a target of 211 , PBKS had reduced to 33-3, but failed to capitalise. Similarly, against MI, the IPL 2025 runner-ups collapsed from 107-1 to 140-7, losing their way in the contest.

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary suggested that PBKS bring Marco Jansen back in the side as Lockie Ferguson has not produced enough performances to retain his place.

“I think Harpreet Brar will keep his position. But I think Marco Jansen should return in place of Lockie Ferguson, because he has played 2-3 matches and has proven to be expensive. When the change to bring on Lockie began, that is where PBKS began to lose momentum. Since then, Arshdeep Singh has also proven to be quite expensive. It is important for him to perform,” he said.

The New Zealand pacer has featured in three matches this season, where he has picked up only one wicket at an average of 141.00 and an economy rate of 12.82.

“His mood also seemed to be different” – Manoj Tiwary on Rishabh Pant ahead of LSG vs PBKS IPL 2026 match

LSG captain Rishabh Pant had multiple erratic interactions with the broadcasters during the team’s recent loss against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. With the team set for a place at the bottom of the table, there is immense pressure on the star player, who has had yet another unconvincing season as both batter and captain.

“Rishabh Pant, as a batter, did not live up to the expectations. His mood also seemed to be different during that post-match interview, But if you can end the campaign on a good note, that is always optimal. You can leave in a happy mood. If you lose, you will have to say goodbye to everyone with sad faces. LSG will have to rebuild next year,” Manoj Tiwary concluded.

Rishabh Pant was handed multiple blows during Team India’s latest squad announcement for the home series against Afghanistan. The southpaw lost his place in the ODI squad to Ishan Kishan, and was stripped of his Test vice-captaincy duties as well.