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Aakash Chopra: Punjab Kings Are a Team to Beat in IPL 2026

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has labeled the Punjab Kings as one of the teams to beat in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. He highlighted their strong batting unit, which relies heavily on promising young Indian players. Chopra also praised the effective team management under captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting. PBKS began the season strongly with two wins before a match was abandoned due to rain.

Key Points: Aakash Chopra Praises Punjab Kings as IPL 2026 Contender

  • Strong batting built on young Indian talent
  • Effective bowling unit
  • Brilliant management by Iyer and Ponting
  • Started season with two wins
  • Unlucky with rain-abandoned match
2 min read

"Punjab Kings are one of the teams to beat": Aakash Chopra

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra hails PBKS as a team to beat, praising their young Indian batting core and leadership of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting.

"Punjab Kings are definitely one of the teams to beat. - Aakash Chopra"

Mumbai, April 7

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra hailed Punjab Kings as "one of the teams to beat" in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season. Chopra noted PBKS' strong batting unit, relying on young Indian players, and said that the team is being managed well by the captain, Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting.

PBKS ended their last season as the runners-up, facing a defeat against this season's defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In the IPL 2026, PBKS started with two wins in two matches and then shared a point with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after their match ended in a no-result due to rain.

Speaking on JioHotstar, JioStar expert Aakash Chopra said Punjab Kings are a strong contender this season, highlighting their impressive form and the batting approach built around young Indian players, which has worked effectively despite limited international experience. "Punjab Kings are definitely one of the teams to beat. They were outstanding last season, reached the final, and have started this season strongly as well. What makes them different is their batting. They rely heavily on young Indian players with limited international experience, supported by overseas players, and yet it all comes together really well," he said.

Notably, in the IPL 2025 season, youngsters Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya shone for PBKS with the bat, scoring 549 and 475 runs, respectively. Captain Shreyas Iyer led the batting charts with 604 runs in the season.

Aakash Chopra further noted that while Punjab Kings' bowling isn't exceptional, it gets the job done, and praised the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting. He added that the team was unlucky with the abandoned match, as they likely would have backed themselves to win based on their current form.

"Their bowling isn't extraordinary, but it's effective, and the team is being managed brilliantly by Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting. Having said that, they'll feel a bit hard done by with this abandoned game because on current form, they would have backed themselves to win it more often than not," he said.

PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match at the IPL 2026 on April 11.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I enjoy watching PBKS bat. They play fearless cricket. But Chopra is right to point out the bowling. They need a world-class death bowler to truly become champions. The match against SRH will be a big test.
A
Ananya R
Finally getting the recognition they deserve! Last year's final was heartbreaking, but the team has bounced back strongly. Ponting and Iyer are a brilliant combo. That rain washout was so unlucky, we were in great form. #SaddaPunjab 💪
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think calling them "one of the teams to beat" is a bit premature. They've had a good start, yes, but the IPL is a long tournament. Let's see how they handle pressure in the middle and end stages. The bowling lacks a bit of teeth.
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Karthik V
The real story is the domestic talent. 549 and 475 runs from our youngsters? That's phenomenal. This is what IPL should be about - giving Indian players a platform. Hope they keep their form against Hyderabad!
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Michael C
Interesting analysis. The Ponting influence is clear in their aggressive intent. As an Aussie, it's great to see him shaping another team. If their bowling unit can stay disciplined, they are genuine title contenders.

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