Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings can return to the top of the standings if it beats Delhi Capitals on Monday. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

After displaying an air of invincibility during the first half of its trek to Mount IPL 2026, Punjab Kings has lost its way to some degree. Following three back-to-back defeats, PBKS, currently navigating a rocky road, is on the hunt to get back on the right path.

The current setting – where the playoff challengers are going the extra mile – means that Shreyas Iyer and Co. still have acres to cover in the rest of the journey.

Confronting the top-two aspirant next is a beleaguered Delhi Capitals side that has been on a directionless travel for a while now.

The picturesque HPCA Stadium, PBKS’ second home, will serve as the battlefield for the clash of the out-of-form northern outfits on Monday. With the Dharamsala deck likely to be a heaven for the willow-wielders, both sets of batters will be expected to rack up a mountain of runs.

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Having been at the peak of their prowess during the seven-game unbeaten streak, ‘PowerPlay’ers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh are experiencing a blip.

Key match-up

While the high-intent openers will be itching to get back among the runs, they may have to deal with the pedigree of pacers Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi. How Priyansh and Prabhsimran handle the moving ball and well-directed short deliveries could prove vital.

After the travails against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, not losing a cluster of wickets in the opening six overs will be high on the batting department’s agenda. But the presence of latest centurion Cooper Connolly and Shreyas must provide it assurance.

For Capitals, it is about keeping a sliver of playoff hopes alive. Down on morale, DC can take some confidence from the assault it launched on the hapless PBKS bowling attack last time around. The Axar Patel-led team would not mind a repeat of that boundary-filled show. It will, however, aim to reverse the result.

Published on May 10, 2026