RCB's curse strikes PBKS: Shreyas Iyer's side loses three straight matches after viral '49' troll post

The post went viral almost instantly, drawing laughter from neutral fans and fury from RCB supporters. At the time, Punjab were flying and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table with six wins from seven matches.

What happened next is what has everyone talking. In the next three matches, PBKS lost all of them. The downfall started with the loss to the Rajasthan Royals, and then it continued with consecutive defeats against the Gujarat Titans and the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Punjab Kings have been poor on the field in IPL 2026

Shreyas Iyer insisted that their poor fielding must be improved after the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad cost them the No. 1 spot in IPL 2026.

Across 10 matches this season, Punjab have put down 16 catches, a figure they share with Chennai Super Kings for the most in the competition. But their catching efficiency of 71.43 per cent is the worst of any side in IPL 2026.

"It's like a virus. We've put a lot of catches down so far this season," head coach Ricky Ponting said after the defeat to SRH.

"We dropped too many catches," skipper Shreyas Iyer said, echoing the same sentiment. "I think it was a bit too much because we dropped many catches at the start, and we could have easily [reduced] their score by 30-40 runs.

"I guess because the wicket kept getting slower and the cutters were holding up a bit. So, we weren't comprehensive enough on the field, nor in bowling, nor in batting. So, I think they played comprehensive cricket and they showed us how to win the match."

The Cricket News Opinion: Taunting rivals is a gamble no team should take

There is nothing wrong with a bit of banter in sport, but mocking an opponent's low point, especially when your own season still has miles to run, is a risk with no real upside.

If Punjab goes on to win the title, the post becomes a footnote. If they do not, it becomes the story. Right now, it is becoming the story.

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