Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 marketing campaign has reached a vital breaking level, with the franchise now on the point of elimination after a sixth consecutive defeat, this time in opposition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.The loss in Dharamshala not solely dented their playoff hopes but additionally left head coach Ricky Ponting visibly dejected. Because the match ended, Ponting was seen sitting alone within the Punjab Kings dugout, staring out in silence on the scenic backdrop — a second that shortly went viral and was described as a “highly effective image” by former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin.Ashwin, talking on his YouTube present Ash Ki Baat, stated the picture captured the emotional weight of Punjab’s collapse in type. Whereas expressing sympathy for each Ponting and skipper Shreyas Iyer, he additionally pointed to deeper structural points throughout the franchise.“I noticed a strong image on TV after the match at the moment. Ricky Ponting was leaning ahead within the dugout, on their lonesome. He will need to have lots occurring inside his head. They had been within the prime place to run away and take the highest two spot on this match. I feel they should be asking themselves the place they went flawed. I sat on the identical chair in 2018. I’m not defending them, however I stated within the final episode as nicely, the three or 4 champion groups do not play at totally different residence venues. You had been successful in Mullanpur repeatedly, you then went to Dharamshala and also you misplaced three consecutive residence video games,” he stated.Ashwin additional expanded on his criticism, questioning Punjab Kings’ resolution to separate residence video games between Mullanpur and Dharamshala, arguing that it has disrupted rhythm and familiarity.“These are younger gamers, and even international gamers are struggling. There is a large distinction between Mullanpur and Dharamshala relating to tempo and bounce. The soil is similar however the altitude is totally different. That is additionally an away sport for Punjab. If that they had gained even one in all these residence video games, they’d’ve been smiling proper now,” he stated.“They defended 220 in Mullanpur in opposition to SRH as a result of they know the wicket that nicely. They practised on the venue even earlier than the IPL began. Making pitches is one factor, however getting your self accustomed to the circumstances is totally different. It is fairly disappointing. I really feel unhappy for Punjab. You should not depart your own home floor. If it makes enterprise sense, let it solely make enterprise sense, however if you wish to win and qualify, you’ll be able to’t afford to make these errors. Ricky Ponting can be distraught, Shreyas Iyer can be too, however it’s extremely laborious,” Ashwin additional added.With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Punjab Kings now head right into a must-win closing league match in opposition to Lucknow Tremendous Giants on the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Ought to Punjab Kings preserve a single residence venue to enhance efficiency?
