Punjab Kings (PBKS) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 61 of IPL 2026 on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, starting at 3:30 PM IST.
Vs
HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
17 May 2026 03:30 PM
This is an afternoon fixture with the stunning Dhauladhar range as the backdrop. RCB sit atop the table with 16 points, while PBKS’ once-perfect campaign has collapsed with 5 consecutive losses.
For your Dream11 team, Virat Kohli is the safest captain pick with 387 runs at avg 48.38 and SR 163.98, while Cooper Connolly (PBKS’ leading run-scorer with 377+ runs) works perfectly as vice-captain on Dharamsala’s batting-friendly surface.
PBKS vs RCB Match Details
| Match Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2026 Match 61 |
| Date | Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST (Afternoon Match) |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Broadcast | Star Sports, JioHotstar |
| PBKS Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| RCB Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| Head-to-Head | RCB leads 19-18 in 37 matches |
Our Dream11 Team Recommendation for PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 61
PBKS vs RCB Match 61 Weather Reports
| Weather Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | 25°C |
| Match-Time Temp | 20-23°C (pleasant mountain afternoon) |
| Humidity | 40-55% |
| Wind Speed | 8-12 km/h |
| Rain Probability | < 10% (mostly clear) |
| Sky Condition | Clear with snow-capped Dhauladhar range as backdrop |
| Dew Factor | Low (afternoon match; dew minimal) |
| Match Interruption Risk | Low |
Pitch Report for HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
| Pitch Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-Friendly (altitude aids carry; ball travels further) |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | 200+ (avg close to 200 this season; some patches keep low) |
| Boundary Length | Standard; high altitude makes sixes easier |
| 200+ Totals | Extremely frequent; recent matches consistently crossed 200 |
| Toss Decision | Bat first preferred (afternoon match; no dew; teams batting first have dominated) |
| Pace Assist | Good swing and seam; cooler air and altitude aid movement; moisture under surface after rain |
| Spin Assist | Limited but some patches offer grip; ball tends to skid through mostly |
| Dew Effect | Minimal in afternoon; spinners can operate through both innings |
Injury Updates
PBKS’ Freefall: From a perfect 7-0 start to 5 consecutive losses (to RR, GT, SRH, DC, MI). PBKS have lost 6 of their last 7 at Dharamsala. Dropped to 4th with 13 points. The bowling has completely fallen apart, and Arshdeep Singh has had his worst IPL season with an economy above 10 in 7 of 11 games.
RCB Top of Table: 16 points from 12 matches. Won 6 of last 7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the Purple Cap with 22 wickets in 12 matches. Beat KKR by 6 wickets (194/4 chasing 193) in their most recent outing. Closing in on a top-2 finish.
RCB Dominates Recent H2H: Won 4 of the last 5 matches against PBKS, including 3 victories in IPL 2025. PBKS’ confidence against RCB is at rock bottom.
Dharamsala Surface: Recent rain has left moisture under the surface. Some patches where the ball keeps low and slows after pitching add variability. Seamers will enjoy conditions early, making Bhuvneshwar and Arshdeep even more important.
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head
| Category | RCB | PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 19 wins | 18 wins |
| Highest Total | 241/7 (2024) | 232/2 (2011) |
| Lowest Total | 84 (2020) | 88 (2018) |
In 37 IPL meetings, RCB hold a narrow 19-18 lead over PBKS. However, recent form is overwhelmingly in RCB’s favor, having won 4 of the last 5 meetings. At Dharamsala specifically, PBKS have lost 6 of their last 7, making this ground almost feel like an away venue for them.
Virat Kohli has a phenomenal record against PBKS in IPL history. His ability to anchor innings at altitude, where timing matters as much as power, makes him the most dangerous batter on either side.
Suggested Reads
Key Players to Watch in PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2026
| Player | Team | Role | Key Insights & Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Batter | 387 runs at avg 48.38, SR 163.98 this season. Phenomenal record vs PBKS across IPL history. His cover drives at Dharamsala’s altitude travel further. The safest captain pick for any format. |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB | Bowler | Purple Cap holder with 22 wickets in 12 matches. Best bowler in 3 of RCB’s last 4 games. Moisture under the Dharamsala surface after recent rain makes his seam bowling even more dangerous. |
| Cooper Connolly | PBKS | All-rounder | PBKS’ leading run-scorer with 377+ runs this season. The young Australian’s consistency has been PBKS’ backbone through both the winning run and the current losing streak. Can also contribute with spin. |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Batter | 328 runs at avg 54.67, SR 163.18. PBKS captain under extreme pressure after 5 consecutive losses. Needs a captain’s knock to prevent their playoff position from slipping further. |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Bowler | Having his worst IPL season (economy 10+ in 7 of 11 games). But Dharamsala’s altitude and cooler conditions with moisture could rediscover his left-arm swing. PBKS need him back at his best. |
| Tim David | RCB | Batter | RCB’s death-overs finisher who can clear any boundary. At Dharamsala’s altitude where the ball travels further, David’s six-hitting ability becomes even more dangerous in the final 5 overs. |
