Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan stated that the Punjab Kings have the strongest chance to be first-time winners of the IPL in 2026.
Pathan stated that the Punjab-based franchise has a stable base in their team, with a terrific skipper in Shreyas Iyer, an in-form opening pair, and a solid team overall. He added that they still lack a second spinner, with Cooper Connolly yet to be cleared to bowl due to a back issue.
“It can, Punjab has a very good chance. They are playing impactful cricket and have a great combination. If Cooper Connolly starts bowling, which I feel is one piece missing in their bowling puzzle, because they are currently playing with just one spinner, they will be good to go. They have a fantastic Captain, their two openers are in tremendous form, and overall, the bowling unit also has quality,” Pathan said, speaking to JioStar.
Pathan further added that the Delhi Capitals have a balanced unit, but their one-run loss to the Gujarat Titans would be a point of concern due to its impact on their momentum. He also added that the Lucknow Super Giants will have much work to do, and counts the Punjab Kings as the sure-shot contenders to lift the trophy for the first time.
“Delhi also, I feel, is a good team. Things seem to be 50-50 for them right now, but I feel that match against Gujarat Titans will sting. It was a close game, and if they had won that, they would have been three in three at that point. Lucknow has a lot of work to do, but my eyes will be on Delhi and Punjab. If I had to pick one, it would be Punjab,” Pathan added.
The Punjab Kings sit atop the table in IPL 2026 with 13 points from nine matches. They have been dominant all season and look well-slated to make the playoffs comfortably. The Delhi Capitals are in seventh place, with just eight points from ten games. The Lucknow Super Giants sit at the bottom of the table, with just four points in nine games.
