IPL 2026: Predicted Playing XI for PBKS vs RCB – Match 61

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) desperately need to return to winning ways to get their season back on track when they take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 61 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.

PBKS are currently on a five-match losing streak and are hanging on to fourth place in the standings by a thread. Shreyas Iyer’s side have picked up 13 points from 12 matches.

RCB, on the other hand, are all but guaranteed a place in the playoffs, having secured 16 points from 12 matches. The defending champions did lose two matches in a row before winning back-to-back matches in Raipur.

Predicted XI:

Punjab Kings:

Top Order: Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C)

If PBKS need to do well in a game, their top order has to give a good start. Priyansh Arya has blown out and cold this season, but has still scored 364 runs at a strike-rate of 216.66. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, had also had a few low scores in recent matches, but did score an unbeaten half-century against the Delhi Capitals, though in a losing cause. The Kings are also expected to bring Prabhsimran Singh off the bench as their Impact Sub.

Middle Order: Cooper Connolly, Vishnu Vinod (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen

Cooper Connolly is the star of PBKS’ middle order, being the only player from the squad to score a hundred, again in a losing cause against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Suryansh Shedge, meanwhile, has shown promise with the bat towards the death, striking at upwards of 185. Afghanistan star Azmatullah Omarzai made his first appearance of this year’s IPL, where he scored a handy 38 whilst also taking two wickets.

Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak

Despite the noise off the field, Arshdeep Singh remains PBKS’ main bowler this season with the most wickets for his side (13). Both Yuzvendra Chahal and Vijaykumar Vyshak are not that far behind, with the duo having nine scalps each. PBKS’ overseas bowlers have been underwhelming this season, with both Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett conceding runs at 10.38 and 11.58, respectively.

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Cooper Connolly, Vishnu Vinod (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak

Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

Top Order: Jacob Bethell/Phil Salt, Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has found his Midas touch right before the playoffs, following two consecutive ducks. The right-hander scored an incredible century against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur to take his side to a victory. Jacob Bethell, meanwhile, remains a shadow of the batter he was during the T20 World Cup, scoring just 85 runs all season long.

Middle Orders: Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer

When a team’s top order is packed with in-form batters, it is hard for the middle order to flourish consistently. That has been the case with RCB this season. Captain Rajat Patidar is the highest run-getter amongst the middle order batters, having scored 337 runs at a strike-rate of almost 193. Krunal Pandya and Tim David have both shown glimpses of what they can do and why they are still reliable batters towards the end, following their heroics against the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, respectively.

Bowlers: Rasikh Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy

Two T20 veterans in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood have led RCB’s bowling attack this season, with the likes of Rashikh Salam Dar and Suyash Sharma chipping in. Bhuvi is currently the Purple Cap holder with 22 wickets to his name, whilst bowling at an economy of 7.55. Hazlewood, on the other hand, has 11 scalps, one more than Krunal Pandya.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell/Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Rasikh Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy

Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal

FAQs

When and where will the PBKS vs RCB match be played?

The match will take place on May 16, 2026, at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, starting at 3:30 PM.

Which players could make a difference in this clash?

For PBKS, Shreyas Iyer and Marco Jansen will be key, while RCB will rely on Virat Kohli and Tim David to come good.

Which team has the edge going into this game?

Based on the current form, it is hard to look beyond the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to come good against a struggling Punjab Kings side.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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