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The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have now suffered their third consecutive loss of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, losing to the Sunrisers Hyderabad by 33 runs in the 49th match on Wednesday. With this loss, they also lost their top spot to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, slipping away to the second spot with 13 points in 11 matches. While chasing a mammoth target of 235 runs, they could manage to reach only 202 runs in their 20 overs, thanks to the maiden IPL century from Cooper Connolly. 

After dominating the first half of the tournament with their performance, Punjab Kings now seem like a struggling team who have lost their track and time with unbound efforts. The team that was dominating the tournament with their sharp and assaulting batting lineup is nowhere close to being in their full form in the previous three outings. The team whose bowling was as good and disciplined is now struggling for the wickets. 

Also Read: BCCI Announces India 2026 Fixtures for A, Women, U19 Teams 

Punjab still has its batting depth because they have conceded 200+ totals twice in the last three matches, while failing to defend once and failing to chase in one match. But apart from their batting, what has gone wrong with their bowling and fielding? 

PBKS all-rounder Shashank Singh was dropped in the last three outings for his poor fielding efforts. Now the team has gone in the wrong direction on the very crucial stage of the tournament. With 70% of the tournament already gone, PBKS will need to get back on their winning track before any of the bottom teams get on their nerves and make themselves in the top four. 

The Kings have been too poor with their bowling, especially with their catching efforts. Arshdeep Singh has managed to take four wickets in his last three outings while giving away 43 against SRH, 24 against GT, and 68 against RR. Meanwhile, Marco Jansen has been clueless, has managed to take just one wicket while giving away 61 against SRH, 33 against GT, and 41 against RR. Lockie Ferguson has played just two matches and has given away 98 runs collectively. This shows the bowling struggles, especially in the death overs. Their key pacers need to bring some fresh changes to their bowling strategies to utilise the death overs. The Kings will need to make a strong grip on their fielding as well; dropping catches will cost them matches, and another season will be gone. 

The Punjab Kings still have three games left in their league campaign. If they want to finish in the top two, then they will need to win a minimum of two matches out of their remaining three matches. The Kings will next face the Delhi Capitals in their 12th match on May 11.