Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting on Friday, 23 May openly accepted responsibility for his side's dramatic mid-season collapse in IPL 2026, saying the team has no one else to blame as they face a must-win encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday. After a blistering start to the season, PBKS now need a win — combined with favourable results elsewhere — to secure the final playoff berth.

From Champions to Crisis: The Six-Game Slide

PBKS had looked like genuine title contenders after winning their first six completed games. A washout against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) appeared to break their rhythm, and the side subsequently slumped to six consecutive defeats. Ponting was candid about the root cause.

'We were exceptional for our first seven or six games. Then we had that washout against Kolkata Knight Riders, and I think from that moment on, we've just been a little bit off,' Ponting said at the pre-match press conference. 'They're one or two balls, or they're an over here and there that quite conceivably, we could have won another three or four games, but we've only got ourselves to blame for that.'

Ponting's Warning: Eliminated LSG Still a Threat

Despite LSG already being eliminated from playoff contention, Ponting refused to treat Saturday's fixture as a formality. He argued that teams with nothing to lose can be among the most dangerous opponents in a knockout-pressure environment.

'Lucknow is going into tomorrow — apart from probably personal pride and pride for the franchise's performance, they've really got nothing else to lose. But we understand that, and that's the way that I want my boys to play as well. I want us to be fearless, and I want us to be daring,' he said.

Dressing Room Calm Despite the Pressure

Ponting stressed that the PBKS camp has remained composed despite the mounting stakes, crediting the squad's experience for keeping nerves in check. 'There's a really good, positive vibe around the group; it's been really relaxed. We've got quite an experienced group of players, so they know how to go about getting themselves prepared for big games,' he said.

He added that the team is under no illusions about what is required: 'There's no hiding from the fact that it's now or never for us as a team in this tournament.' Ponting highlighted that IPL matches are frequently decided by the finest of margins — a single bad delivery, a rash batting call, or a moment of brilliance in the field can shift momentum irreversibly.

Arshdeep and Shreyas Iyer Singled Out for Praise

On a more positive note, Ponting reserved special mention for strike bowler Arshdeep Singh, who he believes has rediscovered his best form in recent outings. 'In the last few games, we've probably seen Arshdeep getting back to his best. The IPL is becoming a much higher-scoring competition, and I've been extremely happy and proud of the way he has gone about his cricket,' Ponting said.

He was equally effusive about captain Shreyas Iyer, describing his leadership as a key pillar of the group's identity. 'Shreyas's leadership around the group has been exceptional. He's a very mature leader now who understands how to get the best out of his players. Every time that he speaks, every one of our players looks up and listens,' Ponting added.

With the playoff window closing fast, Saturday's match at Ekana shapes up as one of the most consequential fixtures of IPL 2026 — and the outcome will reveal whether PBKS can rediscover the form that made them the season's early frontrunners.