Punjab Kings are predicted to beat Rajasthan Royals in Match 40 of IPL 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (7:30 PM IST).
Vs
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium
28 April 2026 07:30 PM
PBKS are the only unbeaten team in IPL 2026 – 7 wins, 0 losses, and they just pulled off the highest successful chase in T20 cricket history (265 vs DC). RR, meanwhile, have won just 1 of their last 4 matches and arrive at a ground where scoring 200+ is the norm.
However, RR hold a 17-13 overall head-to-head lead and have won both previous matches at Mullanpur against PBKS – adding an intriguing twist to this top-table clash.
PBKS vs RR Match 40: Complete Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 40 |
| Tournament | IPL 2026 (TATA Indian Premier League) |
| Date | Tuesday, April 28, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar App & Website |
PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
RR lead this long-standing rivalry 17-13 in 30 IPL meetings. But here’s the twist – PBKS have lost both previous home games against RR at Mullanpur.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 30 |
| RR Wins | 17 |
| PBKS Wins | 13 |
| RR Win Rate | 56.7% |
| PBKS at Mullanpur vs RR | Lost both previous encounters |
| Last 6 Meetings | Split 3-3 |
| Chahal vs RR | 18 wickets at economy 6.46 |
| Arshdeep vs RR | 17 wickets (most by any PBKS bowler) |
RR’s Mullanpur record against PBKS is the one stat that works against the hosts. Can PBKS break that curse tonight?
Mullanpur Stadium Pitch Report for PBKS vs RR
Mullanpur has been a batter’s paradise in IPL 2026 – the numbers are almost absurd.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | ~211 (highest among all venues) |
| Highest Score | 265/2 (DC vs PBKS at this venue) |
| PBKS Highest | 254/7 vs LSG |
| Outfield | Lightning fast |
| Boundary Size | Short, aids power-hitting |
| Pace Early | Lateral movement for 3–4 overs; then flattens completely |
| Chase Record | PBKS chased 196, 220, and 265 in their last 3 here |
Once the ball softens, it’s a highway. Bowlers survive here through slower balls, cutters, and death-overs yorkers – not pace.
Mullanpur Weather Forecast for PBKS vs RR Match
| Parameter | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature (Match Time) | 30–35°C |
| Humidity | 40–55% |
| Rain Chance | ~25% (worth monitoring) |
| Wind Speed | Light breeze |
| Dew Factor | Expected from 2nd innings |
| Conditions | Cloudy, warm evening |
A 25% rain chance is worth monitoring. If rain reduces the match, DLS calculations could change the dynamics.
PBKS vs RR Toss Prediction
PBKS’ chasing record this season is flawless – they’ve chased 196, 220, and 265 successfully.
With dew expected and Mullanpur’s flat surface, the toss winner will bowl first.
Toss Prediction: Both captains will opt to field first.
Key Players to Watch in PBKS vs RR Match
Here are the Key Players to watch out for:
For Punjab Kings
1. Prabhsimran Singh (WK-Opener)
287 runs at avg 57.40, SR 193 – PBKS’ top run-scorer this season.
His 76 off 26 balls while chasing 265 against DC was one of the most explosive innings in IPL history.
2. Shreyas Iyer (Captain/Middle Order)
279 runs, 4 fifties, avg 69.75, SR 186 in 6 innings – the most consistent batter in PBKS.
His unbeaten 71* against DC showed composure under extreme pressure.
3. Arshdeep Singh (Fast Bowler)
The all-time leading wicket-taker at Mullanpur and has 17 wickets against RR – the most by any PBKS bowler in this rivalry.
4. Yuzvendra Chahal (Leg Spinner)
18 wickets against RR at economy 6.46 across his career – Chahal owns this rivalry.
His best figures at Mullanpur (4/28 vs KKR in 2025) show he can dominate on this surface.
For Rajasthan Royals
1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Opener)
357 runs at SR 235 including a 103 off 37 balls against SRH – the most explosive batter in IPL 2026.
However, a hamstring concern makes his availability uncertain for tonight.
2. Jofra Archer (Fast Bowler)
First-ball wickets in 3 of his last 4 matches – Archer’s powerplay spell is the key to RR’s chances.
He dismissed Iyer with a 148.6 kph delivery at Mullanpur in IPL 2025.
3. Ravi Bishnoi (Leg Spinner)
11 wickets in 8 matches – RR’s most consistent wicket-taker.
His battle with Iyer through the middle overs will be fascinating to watch.
4. Ravindra Jadeja (Spin All-rounder)
Jadeja’s all-round contribution – 2/8 vs KKR, crucial runs vs LSG – makes him invaluable on any surface.
PBKS vs RR Probable Playing XIs
Here is the Probable Playing XI of both teams:
Punjab Kings Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prabhsimran Singh (WK) | Opener |
| 2 | Priyansh Arya | Opener |
| 3 | Cooper Connolly | Top Order |
| 4 | Shreyas Iyer (C) | Middle Order |
| 5 | Shashank Singh | Middle Order |
| 6 | Marcus Stoinis | All-rounder |
| 7 | Marco Jansen | Pace All-rounder |
| 8 | Xavier Bartlett | Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Vijaykumar Vyshak | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Leg Spinner |
| Nehal Wadhera (Impact Player) | Middle Order |
Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener |
| 2 | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi* | Opener |
| 3 | Dhruv Jurel (WK) | Middle Order |
| 4 | Riyan Parag (C) | Middle Order |
| 5 | Shimron Hetmyer | Middle Order |
| 6 | Donovan Ferreira | Finisher |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja | Spin All-rounder |
| 8 | Jofra Archer | Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Tushar Deshpande | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Nandre Burger | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Ravi Bishnoi | Leg Spinner |
| Sandeep Sharma (Impact Player) | Medium Pacer |
*Sooryavanshi’s availability is subject to a hamstring fitness test. If he misses out, RR lose their biggest weapon.
Why Punjab Kings Will Win This Match
Only Unbeaten Team in IPL 2026
7 wins, 0 losses, 15 points. No other team in the tournament can match this consistency.
World-Record Chase Confidence
They chased 265 – the highest successful chase in T20 history. If 265 isn’t safe, nothing is.
Their opening pair put on 126 in 7 overs against DC – that’s not a powerplay, that’s demolition.
3-0 at Mullanpur This Season
Three home matches, three 200+ chases, three wins. PBKS have turned Mullanpur into a fortress.
Chahal’s Record Against RR
18 wickets at economy 6.46 against RR across his career – Chahal dominates this rivalry.
Six Genuine Power-Hitters
Prabhsimran, Arya, Connolly, Iyer, Stoinis, Shashank – even if RR dismiss two early, four more are ready.
Why RR Could Pull Off an Upset
Won Both Previous Matches at Mullanpur Against PBKS
RR have a perfect 2-0 record at this venue against PBKS. History says they know how to beat the Kings at home.
Sooryavanshi’s Mullanpur Potential
If fit, Sooryavanshi’s 357 runs at SR 235 on Mullanpur’s flat surface could produce a 150+ innings.
Archer’s Powerplay Threat
First-ball wickets in 3 of 4 matches – if Archer removes Prabhsimran and Arya early, PBKS’ chasing template collapses.
17-13 Overall Head-to-Head Lead
RR own the historical record in this rivalry, winning 57% of all meetings.
PBKS vs RR Betting Odds and Win Probability
| Team | Betting Odds | Win Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 1.60–1.70 | 59–63% |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2.20–2.40 | 37–41% |
PBKS vs RR Match 40 Prediction: Who Will Win Today?
Predicted Winner: Punjab Kings
| Factor | PBKS Edge | RR Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Head-to-Head | 13 wins (RR lead 17-13) | 17 wins (won both at Mullanpur vs PBKS) |
| Current Form | Only unbeaten team (7-0-1) | 1 win in last 4 matches |
| Top Order | Prabhsimran (287, SR 193), Arya (254, SR 250) | Sooryavanshi (357, SR 235) but hamstring doubt |
| Captain | Iyer – 279 runs, 4 fifties, SR 186 | Parag – 88 runs at avg 12.57 |
| Bowling | Arshdeep (17 wkts vs RR), Chahal (18 wkts vs RR) | Archer (first-ball wkts), Bishnoi (11 wkts) |
| Home Record | 3-0 at Mullanpur in IPL 2026 | Won both at Mullanpur vs PBKS historically |
| Chasing Ability | Chased 196, 220, 265 – no target safe | Batting first could work if they post 220+ |
| Key Stat | 126-run opening stand in 7 overs vs DC | Sooryavanshi 103 off 37 vs SRH |
PBKS’ unbeaten form, world-record chasing ability, and home dominance make them strong favourites.
RR’s best chance is Archer breaking through the powerplay and Sooryavanshi producing another century on a flat surface.
However, PBKS have six genuine power-hitters – even if Archer removes two early, the depth is too much for RR’s bowling to handle.
Predicted Margin: PBKS to win by 6–7 wickets (if chasing) or 20–25 runs (if batting first).
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Final Verdict
This PBKS vs RR clash is the blockbuster match of IPL 2026’s mid-season – the table-toppers against a former champion desperate to halt their slide.
PBKS’ unbeaten form, world-record chasing ability, six power-hitters, and home dominance make them overwhelming favourites.
RR’s only realistic path to victory runs through Archer’s powerplay destruction and Sooryavanshi producing another century-level knock.
Expect a high-scoring thriller at Mullanpur, with Punjab Kings continuing their unbeaten march toward what looks increasingly like a maiden IPL title.
