India, May 17 -- Shreyas Iyer didn't hold back after Punjab Kings' defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, admitting that the game slipped away in the powerplay itself. On a tricky Dharamsala surface, RCB made a strong start with 61/1 in the first six overs, with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal putting the Punjab attack under early pressure.

In response, PBKS struggled badly in the same phase. RCB's bowlers struck three quick blows for just 49 runs, removing both openers along with skipper Iyer, leaving the chase in trouble right from the start.

The defeat marked Punjab Kings' sixth straight loss, further damaging their position in the playoff race. A side that once dominated the first half of the season with seven unbeaten games, inclu...