Punjab Kings (PBKS) stand on the cusp of elimination from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs race despite an initial 6-1 dominance.
The match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Dharamsala on Sunday (May 17) marked PBKS's sixth consecutive defeat, leaving them at the mercy of other teams to secure a top-four spot.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, PBKS fast bowling coach James Hopes pointed to the team’s inability to control key moments as the main reason behind their late-season slump.
"I think what derailed our campaign was an inability to take control of momentum in games. Every time we looked like doing it, we did something to hurt ourselves or trip ourselves up. T20 is a game where it is very easy to get on winning streaks, and it is very easy to go the other way. We have had both emotions in this tournament, and now we need a week to regroup the boys," Hopes told reporters.
Hopes defended the franchise's constantly changing playing XI, citing that the adjustments were carefully calculated, made with specific opposition match-ups in mind.
"Every change that we have made has been very measured. They have been thought out with the opposition in mind, and thought out with trying to keep our core structure like Arshdeep, Chahal, and our top four, and trying to make changes around them to complement what they do. It just has not worked out in the last few weeks, and that is the way this game goes sometimes," he stated.
With one league game remaining, Hopes said the coaching staff is entirely focused on separating players from the emotional toll of their losing streak and restoring the confidence needed to perform.
"The boys are training well, the boys are planning well. It is just that we get into moments where we get the game back our way, and right now it is just not happening. The boys have got to regroup, stay positive, and they have got to believe. At the moment, it is going to be about just instilling that belief back into them," he remarked.
James Hopes candidly admitted the team missed crucial opportunities to cement a playoff spot and must now rely on other results to qualify for the playoffs.
"We have got ourselves in this position, so we do rely on some other teams. We have not taken the opportunities in the last few weeks to get ourselves assured of a top-four spot, and now we are where we are and there is no hiding behind it. Yes, we could have played better, but now we need to regroup and ensure we are playing to our full potential next Saturday," he concluded.
Punjab Kings will face Lucknow Super Giants in their last league match at Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 23.
