Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting is grappling with the reality of his team's dire situation as they face a sixth consecutive loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, significantly diminishing their chances of making the playoffs. Following the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Dharamshala, Ponting was seen alone in the dugout, a scene described by former player Ravichandran Ashwin as a 'powerful picture'. Ashwin expressed sympathy for Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer but criticized the franchise for their decision to operate from multiple home venues, which he believes has hindered the team's performance. He pointed out the stark differences in pitch conditions between Mullanpur and Dharamshala, which have affected the players' ability to perform consistently. Ashwin lamented that if Punjab Kings had secured even one win at home, they would be in a much better position. The team is set to face the Lucknow Super Giants in their final match, where they will need to overcome the challenges posed by the tough batting conditions at Ekana Cricket Stadium.