Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that punjab kings It has the strongest chance of becoming the winner of IPL for the first time in 2026.
Pathan said the Punjab-based franchise has a stable base in the squad, with a brilliant captain in Shreyas Iyer, an in-form opening pair and a solid squad overall. He said they still lack a second spinner, with Cooper Connolly not yet cleared to bowl due to a back problem.
“It could be, Punjab have a very good chance. They are playing impressive cricket and they have a great combination. If Cooper Connolly starts bowling, which I think is a flaw in their bowling puzzle as they are currently playing with just one spinner, then they are good to go. They have a fantastic captain, their two openers are in tremendous form, and overall, there is quality in the bowling unit as well,” Pathan said while speaking to Geostar.
Pathan further said that Delhi Capitals have a balanced unit, but their one-run defeat to Gujarat Titans will be a matter of concern as it will impact their pace. He also said that Lucknow Super Giants have a lot of work to do and he counts Punjab Kings as definite contenders to lift the trophy for the first time.
“I think Delhi is also a good team. Right now the odds look 50-50 for them, but I think the game against Gujarat Titans will be tough. It was a close game, and if they had won it, they would have been three out of three at that time. Lucknow has a lot of work to do, but I will have my eyes on Delhi and Punjab. If I had to pick one, it would be Punjab.”
Punjab Kings top the table in IPL 2026 with 13 points from nine matches. They have been dominant throughout the season and are all set to make it to the playoffs with ease. Delhi Capitals are in seventh place with just eight points from ten matches. Lucknow Super Giants are at the bottom of the table with only four points from nine matches.
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