Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) first loss in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after seven games is a reality check, but there’s no doom and gloom in the dressing room, fast bowling coach James Hopes said after the loss against Rajasthan Royals here at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium on Tuesday.

“We’ve been flying, winning games, everyone’s happy, the environment is great. But you’re not going to go through the IPL without losing a game,” Hopes told the media post the six-wicket defeat while defending a 222-run total.

“Now it’s about regrouping. We’ve got a few days before we play GT (Gujarat Titans), so it’s about getting back to work, training well, ironing out a few chinks, and figuring out the best combinations for the conditions and opposition ahead,” he added.

PBKS bowlers have conceded five 200-plus scores and a 195 against the Mumbai Indians (MI)out of their seven completed matches so far this season. The team’s economy rate is 10.50 – second-worst after MI’s 10.52. However, Hopes said the conditions this season have been hard for the bowlers.

“Yes, we are conceding runs. But when we’ve had pitches that suit us, we’ve been just fine. I’m not saying this wicket didn’t suit our bowling attack; I’m just saying it was very good – flat, and the ball was flying around,” he said.

“There are things we can tidy up, but with the way the game is played now, especially in the first six overs, it’s hard for fast bowlers,” Hopes added.

The Australian was glad to have Lockie Ferguson, who joined the squad late due to paternity leave, back in the mix. Although Ferguson conceded 57 runs in his four overs, Hopes didn’t look too deeply into it.

“It was also good to see Lockie Ferguson get into the tournament. It may not have been his night, but he was always going to play at some point,” he explained.

“He’s just come back, was with us in Delhi, and was ready to go. He’s coming off the World Cup and a short series against South Africa,” Hopes said.

Royals’ head coach Kumar Sangakkara was all praise for Shubham Dubey (31 not out off 12 balls) and Donovan Ferreira (52 not out off 26 balls), who helped the team finish the chase with four balls to spare.

“I thought Dubey, coming in as an Impact Sub, did a fantastic job. It’s one of the hardest things to do because you don’t know if you’re playing or not. Mentally, that takes a lot of skill to stay ready, come in at a tough stage, and take the game forward. Donovan was outstanding,” Sangakkara, who is also Director of Cricket at RR, said.

He also acknowledged fast bowler Brijesh Sharma’s spell, who conceded just 18 in his first three overs before Marcus Stoinis hit him for 24 in the final over of the innings. “Brijesh’s numbers through the middle overs have been among the best on our side. For someone who hasn’t even played First-Class cricket, his awareness is outstanding, and that’s what you have to trust.”

“Under pressure, experience becomes important, and you grow with it. But more than anything, you need clarity and not to overthink what could happen. Stoinis put him under pressure in that last over, but Brijesh, along with Yash Punja and Ravindra Jadeja, on a wicket like this, were outstanding,” Sangakkara said.

Published on Apr 29, 2026