As the IPL 2025 playoffs begin, two of the tournament’s long-standing yet title-less franchises Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves in the spotlight. Both teams, having been part of the league since its inception in 2008, are still chasing that maiden IPL trophy. One of them will take a big step towards it when they clash in Qualifier 1 at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
For PBKS, this is a historic moment. Under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have reached the playoffs for only the third time in 18 seasons. They have been in exceptional form this season finishing top of the points table with 9 wins, 4 losses, and 19 points.
PBKS's Playoff Performance Overview
Punjab Kings have had a limited and largely underwhelming history in the IPL playoffs, with just 4 playoff matches played over 17 previous seasons. Here's a breakdown:
Total Playoff Matches Played: 4, Wins:1 and Losses: 3
Their only win came in 2014 against CSK, when they had a dream run to the final, only to lose in a nail-biting contest against KKR in Final.
In the inaugural season, then known as Kings XI Punjab, the team finished 2nd in the league stage. However, their campaign came to a quick end as they were thrashed by CSK in the semi-final, losing by 9 wickets.
A breakout season for Punjab. Powered by explosive performances from Virender Sehwag and David Miller, they topped the group stage and beat CSK in Qualifier 2 in a high-scoring match. In the final, despite Wriddhiman Saha's century, they fell short as KKR chased down 199 with 3 wickets to spare.
Year
Position
Opponent
Results
2008
Eliminator
Chennai Super Kings
Lost by 9 wickets
2014
Finals
Kolkata Knight Riders
Lost by 3 wickets
IPL Playoffs: Most Runs For PBKS
For PBKS, the highest run scorer in IPL playoffs is Wriddhiman Saha. The Bengal batter has made 156 runs in 3 innings with a highest of 115* at a strike rate of 173.33 in playoffs.
Player Name
Innings
Runs
Avg/Strike-Rate
Wriddhiman Saha
3
156
78.00/173.33
Virender Sehwag
3
131
43.66/184.50
Manan Vohra
3
127
42.33/124.50
IPL Playoffs: Most Wickets For PBKS
In the leagues history, Karanveer Singh has taken most wickets for PBKS in IPL playoffs. He has scalped 7 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of 10.50.
Punjab's record in IPL playoffs (Source: AP).jpg)
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