IPL 2026: PBKS vs RCB, Match 61 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala – Stats & player battles to watch

When Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) last met Punjab Kings (PBKS), both teams looked sturdy enough to challenge each other, and the former closed out the contest with a six-run victory to win the IPL 2025 title.

Almost a year later, both teams are up against each other again, with RCB still strong enough to defend their title, but Punjab are a pale shadow of themselves.

PBKS are looking hapless. They have lost five games on the trot and do not look like winning anything anytime soon. They have made several personnel changes, too, but nothing has helped them break out of the rut. They need to beat RCB and win their remaining fixture to qualify for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, RCB are back on track with two wins in as many games after suffering two consecutive defeats against Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Virat Kohli is in sublime touch at the top, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar seems to be making a case for an India comeback.

They need Jacob Bethell to perform, as that will ease a lot of pressure from Virat's shoulders.

Player battles to watch out for in PBKS vs RCB, Match 61

1. Virat Kohli vs Arshdeep Singh

2. Rajat Patidar vs Yuzvendra Chahal

3. Prabhsimran Singh vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

4. Shreyas Iyer vs Josh Hazlewood

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Overview

PBKS vs RCB IPL Stats at HPCA Stadium

Tactical Insight

PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head record in IPL