The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are grappling with significant challenges in the IPL 2026 season, particularly regarding their home venues. After a promising start, the team has struggled, winning only 1 out of their last 7 matches in Dharamsala since returning there in 2023. Their record at home is concerning, as they hold the second-worst win-loss ratio among active teams, only ahead of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The team has been forced to adapt to playing in three different venues since 2021, which has hindered their ability to establish a strong home advantage. With only two matches left in the season, including a critical encounter against the table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), PBKS must win both to have any hope of advancing to the playoffs. The smaller playing surface in Dharamsala adds another layer of complexity, especially after they had begun to find success in New Chandigarh. To become champions, PBKS needs to navigate these challenges effectively and build a squad that can perform consistently across varied conditions.