The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are searching for answers. Just a couple of weeks ago, Shreyas Iyer’s team looked untouchable in IPL 2026, beginning the season with six wins and one no-result in their first seven matches. They were playing fearless cricket, chasing 200-plus totals for fun, and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table.
Now, they arrive for the Mumbai Indians (MI) clash in Dharamsala carrying a four-match losing streak and pressure around their bowling and fielding. Another defeat could drag them dangerously close to the playoff scrap, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) breathing down their neck. The timing of this slump could not have been worse.
PBKS likely to back same XI despite poor run
Punjab’s biggest issue has been balance with the ball. Their batting still has enough firepower through Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis and Shreyas Iyer, but the attack has leaked heavily in the death overs.
Across the last four defeats, PBKS have conceded at an economy of 14 in the final overs. They have also dropped 18 catches this season, the most by any side in IPL 2026. Shashank Singh alone has put down five chances, also the most by any individual player.
Despite those struggles, Punjab are expected to retain the same combination against MI. That’s what settled teams do.
Ben Dwarshuis was expensive on debut against Delhi Capitals, finishing with 1/51 in four overs, but the management may still persist with him because of his left-arm angle and variations at the death. Xavier Bartlett remains an option on the bench, while Mitchell Owen and Musheer Khan are also available if Punjab decide to shake things up. But with only a few league games left, this is probably not the stage where PBKS want to completely reset combinations.
Arshdeep Singh remains key against MI
Punjab need their senior bowlers to start winning moments again.
Arshdeep Singh has had a stop-start season statistically. He has alternated between excellent spells and expensive outings almost every game. Against the Rajasthan Royals, he went for 68 runs. The very next match against Gujarat Titans, he bounced back with 2/24. Then came 1/43 against Sunrisers Hyderabad before another recovery performance of 2/21 against DC.
PBKS need the good version of Arshdeep on Thursday. His matchup against Ryan Rickelton could become important early. Arshdeep has dismissed the MI opener three times in seven T20 meetings, while Rickelton strikes at just 119 against him.
There is also a tactical debate around Yuzvendra Chahal. Punjab have mostly held him back for the middle overs, but there is a case to use him earlier against Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, both of whom have historically slowed down against leg-spin from Chahal. The problem is Tilak Varma. The MI left-hander strikes at nearly 159 against Chahal and could target that matchup aggressively.
However, it remains to be seen if Iyer will use Chahal at all or not. In the last game in Dharamsala, neither PBKS nor DC used a single over of spin. Chahal played as a specialist fielder, with Iyer choosing just his pace bowlers.
PBKS’ worrying numbers during losing streak
| Stat | PBKS Record |
|---|---|
| Consecutive defeats | 4 |
| Dropped catches | 18 (Most this season) |
| Death overs economy in last 4 losses | 14 |
| Failed 200+ defenses in T20s | 9 (Most by any team) |
| Successful 200+ chases in T20s | 10 (Most by any team) |
Punjab still have enough points on the board to stay inside the top four. But the margin for error is shrinking fast. Another defeat, especially at home, and that too from a team that is already eliminated would hurt them big time.
Predicted PBKS Playing XI vs MI
| Batters | Role |
|---|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh (wk) | Opener |
| Priyansh Arya | Opener |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | Top-order batter |
| Cooper Connolly ✈️ | Middle-order batter |
| Marcus Stoinis ✈️ | All-rounder |
| Shashank Singh | Finisher |
| Suryansh Shedge | Finisher |
| Bowlers | Role |
|---|---|
| Marco Jansen ✈️ | Pace all-rounder |
| Ben Dwarshuis✈️ | Left-arm pacer |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast bowler |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Spinner |
| Impact Player: Yash Thakur | Fast bowler |
