Punjab Kings (PBKS) are strong favourites against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 40 of IPL 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 PM IST. PBKS are priced around 1.60-1.70 odds (implied win probability of ~59-63%).
Vs
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium
28 April 2026 07:30 PM
The reason is clear. PBKS are the only unbeaten team in IPL 2026 with 7 wins and 1 no result from 8 matches (15 points), including a record chase of 265 against DC. Meanwhile, RR are 4th with 5 wins and 3 losses and have won just 1 of their last 4 matches.
Mullanpur has been a run-scoring machine with an average first-innings score of 211 in IPL 2026. This article covers odds, predicted XIs, pitch report, weather, and PBKS vs RR Match 40 prediction.
PBKS vs RR Match Details
Here are the key details for Match 40 of IPL 2026, which also marks PBKS’s 4th home match at their fortress Mullanpur.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | PBKS vs RR, 40th Match |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Date | Tuesday, April 28, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (evening game) |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / JioHotstar |
| Weather Alert | Mostly cloudy. 20% rain chance. Temperature ~37°C. Full match likely. |
PBKS vs RR Betting Odds Comparison
PBKS are clear favourites because of their unbeaten record, 3-0 home record at Mullanpur, and superior chasing ability. However, RR’s top-order firepower (Suryavanshi, Jaiswal) keeps this from being a one-sided affair.
| Platform | PBKS Win Odds | RR Win Odds | Implied PBKS Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.62 | 2.30 | ~62% |
| Bet365 | 1.68 | 2.20 | ~60% |
| 1xBet | 1.60 | 2.35 | ~63% |
| Betfair | 1.70 | 2.15 | ~59% |
PBKS at 59-63% implied win probability reflects the significant gap in current form. Although RR have the overall H2H lead (17-13), PBKS’s home dominance at Mullanpur (3-0) and their record-breaking chasing ability make them the clear favourites.
Disclaimer: Odds are indicative and sourced from publicly available platforms at the time of writing. Consequently, they may change closer to match time.
PBKS vs RR Predicted Playing XIs
While PBKS are likely to remain unchanged after their record-breaking DC chase, RR may consider bowling changes after failing to defend 228 against SRH.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted XI
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Notably, the Priyansh Arya-Cooper Connolly partnership is IPL 2026’s most destructive combination. At Mullanpur, where boundaries are short and the ball comes on nicely, their combined strike rates above 180 are terrifying. If either gets going, even Archer and Bishnoi will struggle to contain them.
Furthermore, Iyer‘s captaincy has been exceptional. His unbeaten 71* chasing 265 vs DC showed composure under extreme pressure. Under Ponting’s coaching, Iyer has become a genuine match-winner. His tactical decisions, especially the use of Chahal in the middle overs, have been sharp.
Additionally, PBKS may bring in Xavier Bartlett for extra pace on Mullanpur’s batting-friendly surface. His bounce and accuracy complement Arshdeep‘s yorkers and Jansen‘s left-arm variety. This three-pronged pace attack gives PBKS genuine death-overs options.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted XI
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande.
Importantly, Suryavanshi‘s 103 off 37 against SRH proved he can score centuries on any surface. At Mullanpur, where the average first-innings score is 211, his explosive batting in the powerplay could set up a massive total. However, he needs support from the other end, which has been inconsistent recently.
Moreover, Archer‘s express pace on Mullanpur’s surface, which offers good bounce, is RR’s biggest weapon. His first-ball wickets (3 times this IPL) could rattle PBKS’s aggressive openers. If Archer dismisses Prabhsimran and Priyansh early, PBKS’s batting template collapses.
Besides, Jadeja‘s all-round contributions have been crucial. His unbeaten 43 against LSG and disciplined bowling make him RR’s most valuable player. At Mullanpur, where spinners get assistance in the middle overs, Jadeja and Bishnoi bowling in tandem could control the 7-15 over phase.
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium Pitch Report
Mullanpur has been the highest-scoring venue in IPL 2026. The average first-innings score here is a staggering 211, with four 200-plus totals from just 3 matches.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Flat, batting-friendly surface. True bounce, good carry. Ball comes on nicely throughout, especially under lights. |
| Batting Conditions | Excellent. 200+ is par. Short boundaries and quick outfield reward aggressive batting. |
| Bowling Conditions | Pacers get bounce early. Spinners find grip in the middle overs. Death bowling is extremely difficult. |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | 211 (highest venue average in the tournament) |
| Bat First vs Chase | Bat first wins 60% (6 of 10 overall). But PBKS have chased every total this season. |
| Key Stat | 254/7 (PBKS vs LSG) is the highest total at this venue. 4 totals above 200 in just 3 IPL 2026 matches here. |
Why 200+ Is the Baseline at Mullanpur
The numbers tell the story. An average of 211 in the first innings means anything below 200 is below par. The flat surface, short boundaries, and quick outfield create conditions where batters dominate from ball one. Consequently, bowlers need to be exceptional to survive here.
However, bat-first teams have won 60% of matches at this venue overall (6 out of 10). Unlike many IPL venues where dew favours chasers, Mullanpur’s dew factor is lighter. Therefore, posting a big total and defending it is a viable strategy here, especially if spinners are effective in the middle overs.
Weather Forecast for PBKS vs RR
According to live weather data for Chandigarh on April 28, the forecast shows mostly cloudy conditions with 20% rain probability. A full match is expected, although light overcast skies may assist seamers early on.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 33-37°C. Warm but slightly cooler than previous weeks. |
| Weather | Mostly cloudy. Very slight rain risk. |
| Rain Probability | 20% (low, full match expected) |
| Humidity | Moderate to High |
| Wind | Light |
| Dew Factor | Light dew expected in the second innings. Less significant than at Mumbai or Delhi. |
| Impact | Overcast conditions may consequently help pace bowlers early. Slight dew could assist batters in the chase. |
The cloudy conditions are unusual for Mullanpur, which has typically been hot and clear this season. If overcast skies persist, Archer and Jansen could get extra movement with the new ball. Nevertheless, the surface remains flat enough for big scores regardless of weather.
PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
This is one of the IPL’s oldest rivalries. In 30 meetings, RR lead 17-13. However, recent results have been close, with the last 5 meetings split 2-2 with 1 no result. At Mullanpur specifically, it is 1-1.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Matches | 30 |
| RR Wins | 17 |
| PBKS Wins | 13 |
| RR Win % | 56.7% |
| Last 5 Meetings | 2-2 (1 NR) |
| At Mullanpur | 1-1 (both teams won once) |
| PBKS Highest at Venue | 254/7 (vs LSG, IPL 2026) |
| PBKS 2026 Form | 7W 0L 1NR (1st, UNBEATEN, 15 pts, chased 265) |
| RR 2026 Form | 5W 3L (4th, 10 pts, 1 win in last 4, Suryavanshi 103 vs SRH) |
A Rivalry Where Momentum Matters More Than History
Although RR lead 17-13 overall, recent meetings have been evenly matched. The last 3 completed matches were all decided by margins of less than 10 runs or 2 wickets. This suggests that form and conditions, rather than historical dominance, decide this fixture.
At Mullanpur, the record is perfectly level at 1-1. PBKS won by 10 runs in one match. However, PBKS’s 3-0 home record in IPL 2026 and their three 200+ totals at this venue give them a transformed home advantage. Consequently, the historical H2H matters less than PBKS’s current dominance at this ground.
Key Players to Watch
Since the unbeaten table-toppers host a fading opponent at the highest-scoring venue in IPL 2026, these 7 players could determine whether PBKS extend their record run or RR rediscover their early-season form.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Priyansh Arya | PBKS | 93 off 37 (9 sixes) against LSG at this venue. His power-hitting in the 7-15 over phase is devastating on Mullanpur’s short boundaries. RR’s bowlers need to dismiss him before he reaches 20, or risk conceding 80+. |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | RR | 103 off 37 against SRH showed he can score centuries at will. IPL 2026’s leading run-scorer with 250+ runs at SR 263. If he fires at Mullanpur’s flat surface, RR can match PBKS’s scoring rate in the powerplay. |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | India’s premier T20 death bowler. His yorkers and slower balls at the death are world-class. At Mullanpur, where death-overs batting is rewarded, Arshdeep’s control is consequently PBKS’s most important bowling weapon. |
| Jofra Archer | RR | First-ball wickets in 3 matches this season. His express pace and bounce on Mullanpur’s surface could rattle PBKS’s aggressive openers. If Archer dismisses Prabhsimran and Priyansh early, PBKS’s untested middle order faces pressure. |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Captain’s 71* off 36 chasing 265 vs DC showed ice-cold composure. His tactical decisions under Ponting’s coaching have been outstanding. Iyer at No.4 is the glue that holds PBKS’s batting together when openers fail. |
| Ravi Bishnoi | RR | Joint-leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 10+ wickets. His leg-spin gets grip at Mullanpur in the middle overs. However, Connolly and Iyer have shown they can score against spin. The Bishnoi vs PBKS middle-order battle is crucial. |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS | Leg-spin on Mullanpur’s surface that assists spin after the 10th over. Chahal has historically troubled RR’s batters. His googly against Parag (avg 11.57 this season) could be especially effective. |
Toss Prediction
At Mullanpur, the toss decision is interesting. Unlike most IPL venues, batting first is preferred here, with 60% of matches won by the team batting first (6 out of 10 overall). The dew factor is lighter than at Mumbai or Delhi.
However, PBKS have defied this trend by chasing every time and winning every chase. They chased 200+ on three occasions, including the record 265. Consequently, PBKS will want to bowl first regardless of venue trends, backing their chasing ability.
On the other hand, RR lost their last match defending 228. That experience may push Parag towards bowling first if he wins the toss, hoping to chase instead. Therefore, both captains will likely prefer to bowl first, which makes the toss particularly important.
Match Prediction
The unbeaten table-toppers on their fortress ground against a fading RR side. On paper, this favours PBKS heavily. However, RR have match-winners who can change a game in 6 overs.
Where PBKS Holds the Edge
First of all, home dominance at Mullanpur (3-0 in IPL 2026) is overwhelming. Three 200+ totals, including 254/7, prove PBKS know how to score big at this venue. Furthermore, their chasing record (every chase won this season, including 265) means no target is safe against them.
Moreover, batting depth separates PBKS from every other team. Prabhsimran, Priyansh, Connolly, Iyer, Stoinis, Shashank give them six genuine power-hitters. Even if RR dismiss two early, four more are ready to take over. That depth has been the foundation of their unbeaten run.
Additionally, bowling variety covers all phases. Jansen‘s left-arm pace, Arshdeep‘s death bowling, Chahal‘s leg-spin, and Vyshak‘s consistency give Iyer options for every match situation. Against RR’s top-heavy batting, this variety could consequently expose the fragile middle order.
Where RR Holds the Edge
Nevertheless, top-order firepower is RR’s trump card. Suryavanshi (103 off 37 vs SRH) and Jaiswal form IPL 2026’s most explosive opening pair. On Mullanpur’s flat surface where the average score is 211, if both fire, RR can post 230+ or chase anything.
Furthermore, Archer‘s ability to take early wickets could disrupt PBKS’s batting template. PBKS’s top order (Prabhsimran, Priyansh) are aggressive but can be vulnerable against genuine pace and bounce. If Archer removes both inside the powerplay, PBKS’s middle order is consequently untested under pressure.
Besides, overall H2H leadership (17-13) and the venue split (1-1 at Mullanpur) prove RR can compete here. Their wins in this rivalry have often come when Jaiswal delivers big innings, and his form this season (250+ runs at SR 157+) suggests he is capable of it.
Key Concerns for Both Teams
RR’s concern is their bowling after the SRH debacle. They posted 228 and still lost by 3 wickets with 9 balls remaining. If RR’s bowlers cannot defend 228 on a neutral surface, defending anything at Mullanpur (avg 211) against PBKS’s record-chasing lineup looks almost impossible.
Moreover, captain Parag‘s batting (81 runs, SR 117 in 7 innings) is a genuine crisis. The middle order depends on him to anchor after the openers depart. Without Parag contributing, RR’s innings consistently falls apart between overs 10-15, which is exactly when Chahal and the middle-overs bowlers operate.
Conversely, PBKS’s concern is their untested middle order. Because Prabhsimran, Priyansh, and Connolly keep delivering, Iyer, Stoinis, and Shashank haven’t been put under serious pressure. If Archer and Bishnoi dismiss the top 3 cheaply (for example, 20/3), PBKS face uncharted waters.
Additionally, the 20% rain chance is worth monitoring. If rain reduces the match to a 10-12 over affair, the dynamics change completely. DLS calculations could consequently favour the team batting first, which goes against PBKS’s chasing preference.
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Final Verdict
All in all, PBKS hold a clear edge at around 59-63%. Their unbeaten record (7W 0L 1NR, 15 points), 3-0 home dominance at Mullanpur, flawless chasing record (including 265 vs DC), and deep batting lineup all favour them.
However, RR have the individual firepower to pull off an upset. Suryavanshi‘s 103 off 37 proved he can score centuries anywhere. Archer‘s early wickets and Bishnoi‘s middle-overs control could test PBKS’s untested middle order. If all three fire simultaneously, RR can break PBKS’s unbeaten run.
Therefore, expect a par score of 200-215 at Mullanpur. The Archer vs Priyansh Arya powerplay battle and the Chahal vs Parag middle-overs duel will most likely decide this contest. Specifically, the team that dominates overs 7-15 holds the key to victory.
PBKS want to extend their historic unbeaten run. RR want to halt their slide and reclaim momentum. Although PBKS are rightfully strong favourites, history shows this rivalry produces surprises. Consequently, do not be shocked if Suryavanshi and Archer combine to give PBKS their toughest test yet..
