Punjab Kings (PBKS) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 61 of IPL 2026 at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala on Sunday, May 17, 2026. This is an afternoon match starting at 3:30 PM IST (toss at 3:00 PM IST).
Watch the live telecast on Star Sports Network and live stream on JioHotstar (app and website).
RCB are one win from confirming their playoff spot. They sit 1st on the table with 16 points from 12 matches and are chasing a top-two finish. Virat Kohli just scored a century against KKR on a tough Raipur pitch. RCB are playing like champions.
PBKS are in freefall. 5 consecutive losses have turned their season from dream to nightmare. They went from 7 matches unbeaten and top of the table to losing 5 in a row, including to MI at this very ground just days ago. PBKS have also lost 6 of their last 7 matches at Dharamsala. This is PBKS’s last home match of the season. If they lose, their playoff hopes hang by a thread.
PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 61: Quick Details
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2026 Match 61 |
| Date | Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST (Toss at 3:00 PM IST) – AFTERNOON MATCH |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| TV Telecast (India) | Star Sports Network (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada + HD) |
| Live Streaming (India) | JioHotstar (App and Website) |
| Live Streaming (UK) | Sky Sports Cricket |
| Live Streaming (USA) | Willow TV |
| Live Streaming (Australia) | Kayo Sports / Fox Cricket |
How to Watch PBKS vs RCB Live in India
On TV: Star Sports Network broadcasts all IPL 2026 matches in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Available on Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, and D2H.
Online Streaming: JioHotstar is the exclusive platform. Plans start at ₹79/month (Mobile), ₹149/month (Super), and ₹299/month (Premium with 4K). Bundled access through Jio, Airtel, and Vi recharge plans.
Note: This is a Sunday afternoon match (3:30 PM IST), part of a double-header (DC vs RR at 7:30 PM follows). Gates open around 12:00-12:30 PM. Dharamsala has free seating, so arrive early for the best spots. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record in IPL
RCB have dominated recent encounters and hold the overall edge.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Stats |
| Total Matches | 37 |
| RCB Wins | 19 |
| PBKS Wins | 18 |
| RCB Won Last 7 of 10 | Including 3 wins in IPL 2025 |
| PBKS Lost 6 of Last 7 at Dharamsala | Home advantage has disappeared |
| PBKS Last Won vs RCB | IPL 2024 (Qualifier 1) |
RCB lead 19-18 and have won 7 of the last 10 meetings. PBKS managed only 3 wins in that stretch. Even more damning: PBKS have lost 6 of their last 7 matches at Dharamsala, meaning their home advantage has completely evaporated. The pitch and conditions should favour PBKS, but their recent record says otherwise.
PBKS vs RCB: Probable Playing XIs
Here are Probable Playing XI of both Teams:
Punjab Kings Probable XI
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable XI
Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam / Suyash Sharma.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Virat Kohli vs Arshdeep Singh: Kohli’s century form vs Arshdeep’s left-arm swing at altitude. This is the marquee powerplay battle. Kohli has scored 484 runs and just hit a ton. Arshdeep needs the spell of his life to contain the GOAT.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Prabhsimran Singh: Bhuvneshwar (22 wickets, tournament leader) at Dharamsala’s altitude against PBKS’s explosive opener. If Bhuvneshwar gets Prabhsimran early, PBKS’s confidence crisis deepens further.
Krunal Pandya vs Shreyas Iyer: CricketAddictor highlights this middle-overs duel. Krunal’s left-arm spin with extra grip on an afternoon surface against Iyer, who handles spin well but is under immense pressure after 5 losses.
Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
The most scenic cricket ground in the world), set at 1,457m above sea level) with the Dhauladhar mountains as the backdrop. PBKS’s last home match of IPL 2026.
The pitch has patches that keep low) and areas with true pace and bounce). Recent rain has left moisture under the surface), which could help seamers early. Average scores around 200). Spinners have had limited success here; quicker bowlers dominate.
Since this is an afternoon match (3:30 PM)), dew will not be a factor). Weather: 15-28°C), pleasant. Clear skies expected), but carry sun protection.
PBKS vs RCB Match 61 Prediction
RCB are strong favourites (65% win probability) per CricketAddictor. Kohli’s century form), Bhuvneshwar’s 22 wickets at altitude), and RCB winning 7 of the last 10 against PBKS make this a clear call.
PBKS’s only hope: their batting posts 220+ (they have the talent) and Arshdeep delivers a vintage spell). But even posting 211 and 200 at this ground recently was not enough. PBKS’s bowling has let them down for 5 straight matches. Fixing that in one game against the tournament’s best bowling attack is extremely unlikely.
For PBKS fans, this could be the last stand). A loss likely ends their season. RCB, meanwhile, can seal their playoff berth with a win and head into the final stretch with confidence.
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Final Thoughts
PBKS vs RCB at Dharamsala is a Sunday afternoon spectacle. Tune in at 3:30 PM IST on Sunday, May 17 on Star Sports (TV) or JioHotstar (streaming). This is the first match of the double-header (DC vs RR at 7:30 PM follows).
Kohli’s century form vs PBKS’s 5-match losing streak). Bhuvneshwar’s 22 wickets at altitude vs Arshdeep’s swing). PBKS posted 200+ twice at home and lost both). Lost 6 of 7 at this ground). And their last home match of the season).
When the defending champions walk into your backyard with a century-scoring Kohli and the tournament’s leading bowler, there is no hiding. PBKS’s season is on the line. Dharamsala deserves a classic. RCB are here to clinch.
