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Punjab Kings are experiencing more heartbreak in the Indian Premier League, losing one of the worst collapses in recent IPL history.

 

The Punjab-based outfit began their IPL 2026 campaign by winning six straight and at one point in the competition dominated the points table. They looked the first team on the circuit to qualify for the playoffs. It all seems to have fallen apart however.

 

Having now lost six games in a row, Punjab Kings are in a scramble to maintain their playoff hopes and cannot do it completely on their own despite the fantastic start.

 

The heartbreak forPunjab Kings fans though is that this is not the first time that the franchise have surrendered a great start and thrown away a campaign.

 

IPL 2026 - From Unbeaten Run to Playoff Trouble

 

IPL 2026 will surely go down as one of the most self-destructive tournament collapses. Punjab Kings looked like a unstoppable team during the first half of IPL 2026. They had consistent performances from both the batters, the bowlers came good during crucial moments of the game and the team displayed the most fearless brand of cricket when it counted most.

 

They won 6 matches consecutively, looking very capable of lifting the title. However their story seemed to change completely during the second half of IPL 2026. Their batting began to falter while chasing, the bowlers could not defend good totals, and even their home condition did not bring a smile on their faces and hence the losing streak continued.

 

Having lost six games in a row, PBKS risk a playoff spot and an epic self-destruction despite having the best start by any team in IPL 2026.

 

Also Read | Watch: Sanju Samson Takes 'Worst DRS' of IPL 2026 During CSK vs SRH Clash

 

IPL 2018 - Massive Collapse After Flying Start

 

Punjab Kings also witnessed a similarly tragic decline in the IPL 2018. At that time, they had won 5 of their first 6 games and were seemingly heading towards a playoff berth. Playing with an aggressive brand of cricket, they were in the top of the standings in the initial part of the tournament.

 

The table completely turned around in the second half. Punjab won only 1 out of their remaining 8 games and ended up at 7 th position in the standings.

 

IPL 2017 and Other Painful Seasons

 

The pattern was a similar one in the 2017 IPL. Punjab Kings were a strong contender until the middle stages of the season but lost 4 out of their last 5 matches, with the final league game a huge blow to their playoff hopes. They finished at 5 th position.

 

Between 2019-2024 too, Punjab repeatedly faltered in similar situations. Most often, they stay in playoff contention after winning 4 or 5 early games, lose some crucial matches later on and then fail to qualify for the playoff stage. The franchise had long losing streak in playoffs from 2015 to 2024.

 

There have been seasons like 2022, 2023 when they looked set for playoffs but lost crucial games towards the end of the season and failed to remain in the top 4.

 

IPL 2026 has witnessed another painful chapter added to Punjab Kings' history.