Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match No. 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Sunday, May 17, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
The Kings enter this match after losing five straight games, following an unbeaten start of seven matches. This is their third game at their home ground, having lost both previous matches against DC and MI. With 13 points from 12 matches, they need a win to improve their playoff chances and aim for a top-2 finish.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru come into this match after a strong victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. They currently lead the table with 16 points. A win here would secure their spot in the playoffs.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala: Pitch Report
The HPCA Stadium is known for being a great batting venue. So far in IPL 2026, both teams have scored over 200 runs in all four innings, showcasing the pitch’s batting-friendly nature. The team winning the toss will likely choose to chase. However, with an afternoon match, spinners may play a significant role.
IPL Stats and Records at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala
| Matches Played | 16 |
| Won Batting First | 9 |
| Won Batting Second | 7 |
| Highest Total | 241/7 |
| Lowest Total | 116 |
| Average score batting first | 189 |
PBKS vs RCB Strategies and Match-ups
The team led by Shreyas Iyer is in need of a turnaround after five consecutive losses to keep their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, the defending champions have performed well in IPL 2026 and aim to secure a playoff position and finish in the top-2 by winning their remaining matches.
PBKS has struggled to defend high scores this season, regularly putting up totals over 200. Their bowlers must improve in this crucial match.