Fifty matches of Indian Premier League 2026 have been completed, yet the playoff race remains wide open. No team has officially qualified for the playoffs so far, and no franchise has been mathematically eliminated either. However, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are in a difficult position, as even victories in all their remaining matches would take them to a maximum of only 14 points. Their qualification hopes now depend heavily on results elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have slipped from the top of the table after suffering three consecutive defeats. Adding to their troubles, three PBKS bowlers currently feature among the five most expensive bowling spells of IPL 2026.
Interestingly, the remaining two names on the unwanted list belong to Sunrisers Hyderabad – the two franchises currently occupying the top spots on the points table.
1. Xavier Bartlett – 69 Runs
Xavier Bartlett holds the record for the most expensive bowling spell of the season so far. The Punjab Kings pacer conceded 69 runs in his four overs against Delhi Capitals on April 25. That match also witnessed KL Rahul smashing an unbeaten 152. Despite posting 264 runs, Delhi still ended up losing the game.
2. Arshdeep Singh – 68 Runs
The second spot also belongs to a Punjab Kings bowler. Arshdeep Singh leaked 68 runs in four overs against Rajasthan Royals on April 28 in Mullanpur. He managed to pick up just one wicket in the match.
3. Sakib Hussain – 62 Runs
Sakib Hussain of Sunrisers Hyderabad occupies third place on the list. Playing his debut IPL season, the young pacer had impressed earlier by taking four wickets in his first appearance. However, against Punjab Kings on April 25, he endured a difficult outing and conceded 62 runs in his four-over spell. That was also the match where Punjab successfully chased down a massive 265-run target.
4. Marco Jansen – 61 Runs
Punjab Kings all-rounder Marco Jansen comes next after conceding 61 runs in four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on May 6. Punjab lost that game, which marked their third straight defeat.
5. Prafull Hinge – 60 Runs
Prafull Hinge of Sunrisers Hyderabad rounds off the list. The pacer gave away 60 runs in his four-over spell against Chennai Super Kings on April 18.
