Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – IPL 2026 Match 61
Match Details
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Tournament: Indian Premier League 2026 – Match 61
- Date: 17 May 2026
- Time: 3:30 PM IST
- Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
Live Streaming and Live Telecast
- TV Broadcast (India): Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
Match Preview
Punjab Kings are entering this clash under massive pressure after suffering a string of defeats. Their batting unit still looks dangerous, but inconsistency in bowling and death-over execution has hurt them badly in recent games. PBKS need this win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, have looked far more balanced throughout the tournament. With Virat Kohli in excellent form and their pace attack consistently delivering, RCB are eyeing a top-two finish in the points table. Their recent victory against KKR has further boosted confidence.
This match could turn into a high-scoring contest because Dharamsala generally favors stroke-making batters, especially during daytime matches.
Pitch Report
The Dharamsala surface is expected to offer good bounce and carry for fast bowlers early in the innings, while batters can enjoy the pace coming onto the bat once settled. Pacers have taken the majority of wickets at this venue in recent IPL matches.
- Average 1st innings score: 180-185
- Pace bowlers expected to dominate initially
- Batting becomes easier after the power play
- Chasing teams have enjoyed better success historically at the venue
Weather Report
The weather in Dharamsala is expected to remain cloudy, with temperatures around 19-20°C. There is some possibility of rain interruptions during the match.
- Temperature: Around 19.8°C
- Humidity: 47%
- Rain chances: Around 80%
- Conditions: Clouds and sun mixed throughout the day
Head-to-Head Record
PBKS and RCB have shared an entertaining rivalry over the years, but Bengaluru have dominated the recent contests.
Overall IPL Record
- Matches Played: 37
- PBKS Wins: 18
- RCB Wins: 19
Probable Playing XI
Punjab Kings Probable XI
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Priyansh Arya
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Cooper Connolly
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Suryansh Shedge
- Marco Jansen
- Harpreet Brar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yash Thakur
- Xavier Barlett
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable XI
- Virat Kohli
- Jacob Bethell
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Rasikh Salam Dar
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
Kohli has been RCB’s most dependable batter this season and thrives in pressure games. His record against PBKS is excellent.
Shreyas Iyer
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer will have to anchor the innings and lead from the front in this must-win clash.
Josh Hazlewood
The Australian pacer can exploit Dharamsala’s bounce and movement conditions effectively.
Arshdeep Singh
Punjab’s left-arm pacer remains their biggest bowling weapon, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
One of the standout bowlers of IPL 2026, Bhuvneshwar’s swing bowling could trouble PBKS early.
Dream11 Fantasy Prediction
Suggested Dream11 Team
Wicketkeepers:
- Jitesh Sharma
- Prabhsimran Singh
Batters:
- Virat Kohli (C)
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rajat Patidar
- Priyansh Arya
All-rounders:
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Krunal Pandya
Bowlers:
- Josh Hazlewood
- Arshdeep Singh
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (VC)
Captain Choices
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Vice-Captain Choices
- Josh Hazlewood
- Arshdeep Singh
- Rajat Patidar
Final Prediction
Punjab Kings have the advantage of desperate motivation and home-like conditions in Dharamsala, but their recent form is a major concern. RCB look more balanced in both batting and bowling departments, and their momentum gives them the edge heading into this clash.
Predicted Winner:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win a close contest.