Punjab Kings losing its first match of the IPL 2026 after remaining unbeaten for seven games is a reality check. Still, there’s no doom and gloom in the dressing room, fast-bowling coach James Hopes said after the loss to Rajasthan Royals here at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium on Tuesday (April 28, 2026).

“We’ve been flying, winning games, everyone’s happy, the environment is great. But you’re not going to go through the IPL without losing a game,” Hopes told the media post the six-wicket defeat, defending a 222-run total.