India, May 12 -- Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 campaign has suddenly lost steam at the business end of the season. After spending most of the first half comfortably inside the top two, four consecutive defeats have completely shifted the mood around the team and tightened the playoff race. What once looked like a side cruising towards qualification is now under serious pressure heading into the final stretch of the league stage.

There is a growing sense that Punjab may have peaked too early in the tournament. Their recent performances have lacked the sharpness and control that defined their strong start, and the slump has arrived at the worst possible time. Monday night's defeat against Delhi Capitals was another major setback and served as a w...