Nine 200-plus totals conceded and six consecutive losses have left Punjab Kings (PBKS) facing a complex qualification scenario in the ongoing Indian Premier League season.

Gearing up for a do-or-die fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium here on Saturday (May 23, 2026), PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting rued the team’s inability to deliver in crunch moments.

“Yes, we’ve lost six games in a row. But there have been very few games where we’ve been outplayed. We got into winning positions in most but haven’t been able to close them out,” he said.

A key factor in the team’s decline has been Arshdeep Singh’s dip in form compared to last season. However, Ponting defended his frontline pacer, noting that the shortest format has shifted drastically in favor of batters.

“In the last three games, Arshdeep has been getting back to his best,” Ponting said. “He didn’t pick up wickets in the first three games, but since then, he’s been pretty consistent.”

Ponting emphasised the high-scoring nature of the tournament to contextualise the bowling struggles. “We have conceded nine 200-plus totals, but we’ve made 200s eight times. The IPL has become a much higher-scoring tournament, and bowlers’ figures reflect that. I’ve been extremely happy with how Arshdeep has bowled.”

Come Saturday, PBKS will hope Arshdeep and the bowling attack can finally flip the script and deliver crucial, match-defining breakthroughs with the team’s playoffs qualification on the line.

On the other hand, an already eliminated LSG comes into the game with nothing to lose. It already played a part in Chennai Super Kings’ exit and will look to do the same against the visitor.

“We haven’t found the ideal winning formula this season so far. So, hopefully moving into tomorrow, we can do that, and we can put on one final good show for our fans at home,” said LSG assistant coach Lance Klusener.