Punjab Kings Reset Focus for IPL Playoff Push, Says Coach Hopes

Punjab Kings are treating the final stretch of IPL 2026 as a fresh start, fast-bowling coach James Hopes said on May 10, as the team seeks to recover from three consecutive losses ahead of their match against Delhi Capitals. Hopes described the losses as 'missteps' and emphasized that the 'tournament starts now' for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, with playoffs less than three weeks away.

Hopes rejected the notion that PBKS was under pressure, stressing the need to focus solely on the upcoming game against Delhi. He noted that no team can expect to go unbeaten through the tournament and that three weeks of strong performances could still position PBKS as title contenders.

The return of Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who missed recent matches due to the death of his mother, gives the team greater flexibility in spin-heavy conditions. Hopes confirmed that Omarzai's availability allows PBKS to field both Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar as specialist spinners while maintaining fast-bowling strength. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.