In a scathing assessment of Punjab Kings' current form, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has declared they have "zero chances" of making the IPL 2026 playoffs, instead backing Chennai Super Kings or Rajasthan Royals to secure the remaining postseason spots.

The criticism comes after Shreyas Iyer's side suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, a 6-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians in Dharamshala that has left their playoff hopes dangling by the thinnest of threads. Modi didn't hold back, describing PBKS' campaign as a "downward spiral" that shows no signs of reversing.

Thursday's match was a heartbreaker for Punjab fans. Batting first at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, they posted a competitive 200/8. Prabhsimran Singh once again proved his value at the top of the order with a fluent 57 off 32 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai provided the late fireworks with a blistering 38 off just 17 deliveries.

But it was Tilak Varma who stole the show. The young Mumbai Indians batter smashed an unbeaten 75 off 33 balls, steering his team home with just one ball to spare. His innings included a massive 106-metre six off Yuzvendra Chahal—a shot that effectively told Punjab their plans were unravelling. Will Jacks chipped in with a quickfire 25, while Shardul Thakur's disciplined 4/39 had earlier kept Punjab from posting an even bigger total.

For a franchise that has consistently struggled to find consistency, this latest collapse raises serious questions about their direction. With the playoff door now all but closed, Punjab will need nothing short of a miracle to keep their season alive. Meanwhile, the cricketing world will be watching to see if CSK's experience or RR's youthful energy can capitalise on this opportunity.