India, April 1 -- Four matches into IPL 2026, and all had gone the same way-teams chasing, teams winning. But Mullanpur offered something different. This wasn't a high-scoring shootout. Despite New Chandigarh presenting a good batting surface, both sides stumbled. Punjab Kings, more so.

At one stage, they lost four wickets for just eight runs in the middle overs, turning what looked like a routine chase into a nervy collapse. Yet, amid the chaos, an unlikely figure at No. 3 stood tall and carried the hosts over the line with five balls to spare.

Having finished runners-up in IPL 2025, Punjab retained their core ahead of the auction, with a key focus on replacing Josh Inglis. The Australian, who played a defining role last season, includ...