Across IPL editions, the Punjab Kings have always been a team fans have associated with the word “hope.” Be it moments of brilliance, flashes of chaos, exhibitions of talent, or seasons that never quite became theirs, the franchise has always grabbed the headlines. But come IPL 2026, the narrative is different. More than a “promise,” this time, it’s Saddi story.
Something has been cooking this season, and the aroma of confidence, intent, and hunger to win has been impossible to ignore. Sarpanch Saab leading from the front, Priyansh Arya making a mess of powerplays, Cooper Connolly playing his maiden campaign in Red and Gold like it is his tenth, and Arshdeep paaji doing what only he can with a new ball.
Three weeks have gone by, and the Sadda Class of 2026 has transformed into a team that has superseded any set limitations for them. For starters, let’s begin with arguably the most IMPORTANT stat: Punjab Kings are the first IPL team to be unbeaten in the first six games of the season in the competition’s 19-year history. In fact, they bettered their own record from 2014.
Team | Unbeaten Streak (from start of the season) |
Punjab Kings | Six games* (2026) |
Rajasthan Royals | Five games (2015) |
Punjab Kings | Five games (2014) |
Five wins and a washout, 11 points, and a net run rate of +1.420: the best in the tournament. The team’s form is not just a statement; this is a war cry of ambition. BAS JEETNA HAI.
This fiery start to the season has come off the back of some batting onslaughts. The Ricky Ponting-coached side has showcased to the world that a 200-plus score in a game is an easy assignment for them. Following Matchday 6, the Shers have notched three 200-plus totals, two of which were successful chases. In a way, they have matched their 2025 performance. But this team has shown that they can SURPASS THEIR LIMITS.
Season | 200-plus scores (First 6 games) | 200-plus scores (Entire campaign) |
IPL 2025 | 3 | 8 (Season Record) |
IPL 2026 | 3 | TBD (Season Ongoing) |
Through sheer will, fearless batting, and a refusal to be second best, the Punjab Kings have officially set the record for the most successful 200+ run chases in IPL history, becoming the first team to achieve this feat 10 times in T20 cricket.
Teams | 200+ Targets Successfully Chased |
Punjab Kings | 10* |
Mumbai Indians | 6 |
Rajasthan Royals | 5 |
Sunrisers Hyderabad | 5 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 4 |
For any team to script a successful chase, there has to be a solid foundation. When it comes to our Shers, the opening overs just feel like a warm-up. Evidence required? Well, look at our game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11, 2026. Six overs, 93 runs. ROLL OUT. And, effectively, we matched our best tally from our most historic game.
Powerplay Score | Opponent (Ground) | Year |
93/0 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (Mullanpur) | 2026 |
93/1 | Kolkata Knight Riders (Eden Gardens) | 2024 |
Such a feat wouldn’t be possible without the energetic efforts of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. The openers have gone all guns blazing at the top, accruing 422 runs in five innings and 211 runs apiece. They are nearing their 2025 tally (532 runs; all season) and are showing no signs of slowing.
Going individually, Priyansh has been nothing short of a “wrecker-in-chief.” The 24-year-old, who has showcased his Sadda version of entertainment, firepower, and composure, has etched his name in the IPL folklore for one key reason: strike rate.
IPL All-Time Strike Rate Leaders (Min. 500 Runs) | ||
Player | Strike Rate | Total Runs |
Priyansh Arya | 196.00 | 686 |
Tim David | 178.59 | 1019 |
Phil Salt | 174.96 | 1258 |
His partner, Prabhsimran Singh, is also forging his own route to PBKS greatness. The wicketkeeper-batter is climbing up the PBKS charts for most runs (1516) and most sixes (82), currently led by KL Rahul (2548 runs; 110 sixes). Keeping in mind his rhythm this term, the Sher family can foresee Prabh eclipsing the sixes record this season.
But starts mean nothing without someone to hold the middle together. And this is where our Sarpanch Saab has held the fort. Five games, 208 runs, three half-centuries; Shreyas Iyer, by his example, is making sure that the “daring, dynamic and different” mantra is carried out to a T.
His F-Iyer-y form, in particular, has improved his hold atop the list for most runs in successful run chases in IPL since 2024.
Most Runs in Successful Run Chases in IPL Since 2024 | ||
Player | Total Runs | Average |
Shreyas Iyer | 621 | 124.2 |
Virat Kohli | 618 | 103 |
Jos Buttler | 574 | 82 |
Very few players of IPL teams maintain consistency as a captain and a batter. Iyer is doing what only he knows how to - make it look inevitable. The PBKS skipper is closing in on a milestone that will further elevate him to a Saddi legend.
Most runs as PBKS captain in IPL | |
Player | Runs |
KL Rahul | 1296 |
Adam Gilchrist | 849 |
Shreyas Iyer | 838 |
Just as the batters have been launching fireworks nationwide, our star bowler, Arshdeep Singh, has been on a roll. The left-arm pace general is a cornerstone of a Punjab unit that has quietly become one of the most complete bowling attacks in the competition.
Arsh paaji is the first Kings bowler to notch 100-plus wickets for the franchise, and the fifth left-arm pacer in the competition’s history. Just like his trademark run that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, the Shers star is just another marquee cast member who is poised to add a fairytale touch to the PBKS story this season.
Most wickets for PBKS in IPL | |
Player | Runs |
Arshdeep Singh | 103 |
Piyush Chawla | 84 |
Sandeep Sharma | 73 |
And so, as the season hurtles forward, the Punjab Kings are not just participating, they are presiding. Every game has added a new layer to what is becoming the most compelling PBKS story ever told. The records are falling, the belief is soaring, and for once, the kings of promise are becoming the kings of performance.
Sixteen years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and what-ifs have all led to this dressing room, this captain, this team. The throne has always had their name on it. In 2026, they are simply coming to claim it.
