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Punjab Kings (PBKS) have found themselves under massive pressure in the ongoing IPL 2026 after their season went from domination to disastrous. Punjab Kings looked like a strong title contender at the start, but they are now facing a do-or-die situation after suffering six straight defeats before their final league game against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on May 23.
If they fail to beat Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings’ campaign will end on Saturday itself as RCB, GT, and SRH have already made it to the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Michael Vaughan blames Yuzvendra Chahal for PBKS’ struggles in IPL 2026
Ahead of PBKS’ must-win game against LSG, Michael Vaughan feels Punjab’s biggest headache is the poor form of Yuzvendra Chahal. Yuzvendra Chahal came into IPL 2026 with huge expectations because of his experience and his stunning performances in the 2025 season.
But the PBKS leg spinner has struggled badly this season as the batters have attacked him fearlessly, and he ended up leaking massive runs. Chahal has picked up only 10 wickets at an economy rate of around 10 in 13 games so far this season, and this hurt Punjab Kings badly at the business end of the tournament.
Punjab Kings’ bowling and Chahal are the real problem: Michael Vaughan
Vaughan admitted that Punjab Kings’ bowling unit is looking shaky, and Chahal’s struggles have hurt the team badly during their six-match losing streak. He also felt captain Shreyas Iyer struggled under the pressure.
Michael Vaughan said on Cricbuzz: “The bowling is the real problem. Chahal has traveled. He is such a rock-solid IPL legend that you can guarantee good performances from him. But lately, he has been traveling to all parts. It’s not easy for them to pick themselves. They are so reliant on Shreyas Iyer. He is a class act and can win a game on his own. But he has struggled off late. Still, their batting has enough guys in form.”
Michael Vaughan sends big warning to Shreyas Iyer ahead of must-win PBKS clash
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, who looked unstoppable earlier in the tournament, has also faced a dip in his form, and the skipper has managed only one half-century in his last six innings. Even after the recent poor run, Shreyas has so far amassed 397 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate above 162.
Still, Vaughan believes Punjab can bounce back if some senior players take responsibility in the pressure game against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The former England captain stressed that both Chahal and Iyer will have to step up if PBKS wants to keep its IPL 2026 playoff dream alive on Saturday.
Vaughan signed off by saying, “Shreyas has to have a night out, though, as a batter and captain. When you are struggling so much, it comes down to individuals doing their job. One or two individuals have a day out and get your team over the line. That’s the only thing you can do when struggling. They are all really good players who were doing great at the start of the tournament. But they are up against a dangerous team.”
