India, May 12 -- When Punjab Kings began their IPL 2026 campaign, they were a team in tearing hurry, determined to get the unfinished business done. Losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in last year's final had left them feeling that they had let slip a huge opportunity after an impressive run. It also left them as the only original franchise from the inaugural 2008 season, besides Delhi Capitals (Daredevils), whose painful wait to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues.

Shreyas Iyer had led Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 title before joining forces with head coach Ricky Ponting. The brilliant start to the current campaign set them up as the team to beat as they went seven games unbeaten. They won six, and it could well have b...