Six wickets got Mumbai Indians past Punjab Kings under the lights at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, during their IPL 2026 meeting. Not one delivery could stop Tilak Varma, who stood firm with 75 not out from just 33 attempts. Opening the batting, Ryan Rickelton pushed hard through his stay – 48 runs came off 23 deliveries before he stepped aside. Before that, Shardul Thakur found rhythm early, tearing into Punjab’s lineup with four dismissals as they reached exactly 200 after choosing to bat.
Another loss hit Punjab hard as their defense cracked once more. Their fifth straight setback this season means the path ahead depends less on them, more on rivals slipping up. Once riding high with a flawless start, the Shreyas Iyer captained squad stood tall among title contenders. That confidence has drained fast. Where dominance ruled early, doubt creeps in now. Survival hinges not on self belief but scoreboard favors from elsewhere.
What Is the Equation for Punjab?
Punjab sit fourth but their lead is thin. Thirteen points from twelve games keeps them above trouble – just barely. Below them, Chennai and Rajasthan both have eleven games played. Twelve points each makes the gap small. Trouble could come fast if results shift. A stumble now might cost everything later.
Should both sides take maximum points in their last three games, Punjab miss out on a playoff spot. Chennai face Lucknow first, then meet Sunrisers before finishing with Gujarat. Rajasthan start versus Delhi, followed by another clash with Lucknow, ending at home to Mumbai.
Punjab must now take victory in their last two clashes, facing Royal Challenger Bengaluru then Lucknow. Only after that comes hope – tied to slips by CSK or RR in at least one of their final three outings.
If things go differently, a slip by Hyderabad in either game – versus Chennai or Bengaluru – opens space for Punjab to benefit.
Punjab must take care of business in their last two matches – no way around it. Right now, they have lost five straight; if that doesn’t shift, everything else falls apart.
