“We Have Complete Confidence”: Brad Haddin Remains Candid About Punjab Kings Playoff Chances

There is a very popular saying in sports that it is not how you fall, but how you rise that defines a team. Punjab Kings is probably the team that fits the best in that proverb. Having started the IPL 2026 on a winning run, Shreyas Iyer's side now lost the fifth game on the trot when they were outdone by a below-par MI side at the HPCA on Thursday.

However, the PBKS side can draw a lot of positives from the game. Despite a fifth straight loss, they remain fourth with 13 points in a tight playoff race. After a strong start against MI, the team lost quick wickets in the middle. However, the Kings mounted an impressive comeback to post 200/8, with the lower order counterattacking brilliantly to keep them in the hunt until the final over. Although the Mumbai Indians chased it down with a ball to spare, PBKS can take confidence from their batting depth heading into the last two league matches.

Post the PBKS vs MI clash, assistant coach Brad Haddin praised the team's effort with the bat and acknowledged a match-defining performance from the opposition.

"I thought we did really well to reach the total we did. Mumbai bowled well early, but we showed strong intent in the latter stages to post what we believed was a competitive score. We were in control for a significant period, but it took a special innings from Tilak Varma to take the game away. You have to give credit where it's due, that was an outstanding knock," the former Australian cricketer added.

Haddin Shares 'Candid Atmosphere' Within The Camp

Dismissing any talk of hitting the "panic button," Haddin offered a candid assessment of the mood in the camp, acknowledging the heightened pressure as the tournament enters its business end.

He said that the IPL is defined by constant pressure, especially at this stage, where teams must step up in big moments and handle high-stakes situations. While admitting that the defeat had left the dressing room hurting, Haddin pointed out that there were still positives to take from the performance, stressing the importance of responding strongly in the next game.

Speaking about the tactical aspect, Brad Haddin backed the squad while acknowledging how batting benchmarks have evolved this season.

"We have complete confidence in everyone in the group. What's evident in this tournament is the sheer power on display-it's unlike what we've seen before. A score of 200, which once felt match-winning, is now just competitive, with teams no longer daunted by it. We need to find a way to break out of this slump and rediscover the form we showed earlier in the season."

Brad Haddin Remains Optimistic About Playoffs Qualification

On the playoff race, Haddin stressed that qualification remains firmly in their hands. He said that the positive for the team was having two matches remaining and that their fate was still in their own hands.

He added that there was no room for second chances, and they simply had to win both games. He also mentioned that the team would quickly regroup and shift focus to the upcoming day's match in a couple of days. Punjab Kings will wrap up their home leg at Dharamshala's HPCA Stadium against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, May 17.