Punjab Kings battle chaos and pressure with playoff hopes on the line vs LSG

Key points

• Punjab Kings walk into their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants knowing the margin for error has disappeared completely.
• A few weeks ago, they looked set for a comfortable playoff finish and were being spoken about as one of the strongest sides in IPL 2026. Now, after six straight defeats, Shreyas Iyer's team are left needing a win on Saturday and favourable results elsewhere just to stay alive in the tournament.
• Read Full Story The dramatic shift in their season has been difficult to ignore.
• Punjab looked unstoppable during the first half of the campaign, playing an aggressive brand of cricket that overwhelmed opponents.
• Their stunning 265-run chase against Delhi Capitals on April 25 captured everything that made them dangerous — fearless batting, calm finishing under pressure, and the confidence to keep attacking regardless of the situation.