Biggest Surprise Team So Far, Fans Didn’t Expect

There weren’t many in the IPL 2026 season where Punjab Kings were serious title contenders. Over the years the franchise has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to maintain consistency at crucial moments. However, the strong momentum gained in 2025 has clearly been reflected in this season as well, and PBKS has become one of the biggest surprise teams of IPL 2026 so far.

Before this resurgence, the franchise’s most memorable season came in 2014, when the team then known as Kings XI Punjab finished runners-up under the captaincy of George Bailey. That season, he helped the team top the league with 11 wins in 14 matches, thanks to the explosive performances of Glenn Maxwell and David Miller. Even in the final, Punjab fought hard and almost chased down a massive target of 200, earning praise despite falling short.

Rebranded as Punjab Kings in 2021, the team focused on building a consistent core and made it to the finals in 2025.

Punjab Kings once again surprised their fans in IPL 2025. With new leadership and a more balanced squad, the team topped the league stage before losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by just six runs. That season renewed fans’ belief that the franchise had finally built a winning culture.

The confidence brought by this campaign continued in 2026. Led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings have developed a fearless and aggressive style of cricket. Their striking unit, in particular, has become one of the most dangerous units of the tournament. The team had already made headlines after showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure by making a record chase of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.

Punjab Kings, who were tagged as inconsistent for years, have emerged as genuine contenders and finally look like a team that can rewrite IPL history.