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Punjab Kings (PBKS) have found themselves under immense pressure in the ongoing IPL 2026 as their season went from dominance to disaster. Punjab Kings initially looked like favorites for the title but are now facing a do-or-die situation after suffering six consecutive defeats ahead of their final league game against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on May 23.
If they fail to defeat Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings’ campaign will end on Saturday as RCB, GT and SRH have already made it to the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Michael Vaughan blames Yuzvendra Chahal for PBKS’ struggle in IPL 2026
Ahead of PBKS winning the match against LSG, Michael Vaughan feels Punjab’s biggest headache is Yuzvendra Chahal’s poor form. Yuzvendra Chahal came into IPL 2026 with huge expectations due to his experience and his stellar performances in the 2025 season.
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But the PBKS leg spinner has struggled badly this season as the batsmen have attacked him fearlessly, and he has conceded runs extensively. Chahal has taken only 10 wickets in 13 matches so far this season at an economy rate of around 10 and that has cost Punjab Kings a lot at the end of the tournament.
Punjab Kings’ bowling and Chahal are the real problem: Michael Vaughan
Vaughan admitted that Punjab Kings’ bowling unit looks weak and Chahal’s struggles during the six-match losing streak have hurt the team badly. He also felt that captain Shreyas Iyer was struggling under pressure.
Michael Vaughan said on Cricbuzz: “Bowling is the real problem. Chahal has traveled. He is such a seasoned IPL veteran that you can guarantee good performances from him. But lately, he has been traveling to all parts. It is not easy for him to pick himself. He is very dependent on Shreyas Iyer. He is a class act and can win a game on his own. But he has struggled of late. Still, there are many in form in his batting.”
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Michael Vaughan gives big warning to Shreyas Iyer before victory in PBKS match
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, who looked unbeaten earlier in the tournament, has also suffered a dip in his form, with the skipper managing only one half-century in his last six innings. Despite the recent poor performance, Shreyas has so far scored 397 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of more than 162.
Nevertheless, Vaughan believes Punjab can bounce back if some of the senior players take responsibility in the pressure game against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The former England captain insisted that both Chahal and Iyer will have to step up if PBKS are to keep their IPL 2026 playoff dreams alive on Saturday.
Vaughan said, “As a batsman and captain, Shreyas has to have a night out. When you are struggling so much, it depends on individuals who do their job. One or two individuals have a day and get their team a win. That’s all you can do when you are struggling. They are all really good players who were performing well at the beginning of the tournament. But they are up against a dangerous team.”
