Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to clash in Match 61 of IPL 2026 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on 17 May 2026. This is not just another league game. It is a rematch of the IPL 2025 Final, where RCB beat PBKS by just six runs to lift the trophy.
PBKS are fighting hard to save their playoff chances after losing five matches in a row. RCB, on the other hand, sit at the top of the points table and are just one win away from securing a top-two finish.
In this article, we have covered the match prediction, win probability, pitch and weather report, head-to-head record, predicted playing XIs, Dream11 fantasy tips, key players to watch, and betting tips for PBKS vs RCB Match 61.
PBKS vs RCB Match Details
Here is a quick look at the important details for today’s match before we get into the prediction and analysis.
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 61, IPL 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 17 May 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar / Star Sports Network |
You can watch the match live on JioHotstar or on Star Sports Network on television.
PBKS vs RCB Match Odds
Bookmaker odds give you a clear sense of where the market stands before a match. Here is what the major platforms are showing for tonight’s game.
| Platform | PBKS Win Odds | RCB Win Odds | Toss Odds (PBKS) | Toss Odds (RCB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 2.15 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.85 |
| Stake | 2.15 | 1.7 | 1.88 | 1.88 |
| 4RABET | 2.15 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 1.85 |
| BetVibe | 2.15 | 1.7 | 1.88 | 1.88 |
Across all major bookmaker platforms, Royal Challengers Bangalore are listed as clear favourites heading into this contest.
The market confidence reflects RCB’s stronger recent form and balanced squad strength, while PBKS enter as underdogs despite having home advantage.
PBKS vs RCB Win Probability
Based on current form, head-to-head record, and venue history, here is the estimated win probability for both sides.
| Team | Win Probability |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 55% to 58% |
| Punjab Kings | 42% to 45% |
These numbers are based on recent performances and ground history. PBKS can still upset RCB if their batters fire early and their bowlers restrict the chase.
PBKS vs RCB Match 61 Prediction – Who Will Win Today?
This is a tough one to call on paper, but the numbers and current form tell a clear story. PBKS have one of the most explosive batting lineups in the tournament this season.
Their openers, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, are capable of tearing apart any bowling attack on their day.
But bowling has been their biggest problem this season. They have failed to defend 200-plus scores on four separate occasions during their five-match losing run. That is a serious concern at a high-scoring ground like Dharamsala.
RCB, by contrast, are playing balanced cricket right now. Their bowling attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, is perfectly suited for a Dharamsala green-top. Virat Kohli is also in brilliant form, fresh off an unbeaten century against KKR.
- PBKS: Five-match losing streak, bowling struggles, playing for their playoff lives.
- RCB: Eight wins in twelve games, table toppers, strong bowling unit, Kohli in red-hot form.
- Venue: PBKS have lost six of their last seven games in Dharamsala.
- Head-to-head: RCB have won seven of the last ten meetings between these sides.
Looking at all these factors together, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the stronger favourites going into this game.
Pitch Report – HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala is one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in India. It sits at a high altitude, which means the thin mountain air lets the ball travel much faster off the bat. This regularly leads to high-scoring games at this ground.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Batting-friendly with carry and bounce |
| Pace Bowling | Early swing and seam movement |
| Ball Travel | Fast due to thin mountain air |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 190 to 205 |
| Dew Factor | Minimal in afternoon conditions |
Recent rains in the Dharamsala region could leave some residual moisture under the surface. This may cause the ball to stop or keep low at times, which can actually help the pace bowlers.
Both teams will want to bowl first and chase, especially since this is an afternoon game with minimal dew.
Weather Forecast for Dharamsala on 17 May 2026
Conditions should be good for cricket. The afternoon is expected to be sunny and hot, with temperatures ranging between 26 degrees and 38 degrees Celsius. Winds will blow gently from the southeast at around 6 to 10 km/h.
Since the match starts at 3:30 PM IST, the dew factor will be almost nil. This makes the toss decision a bit more straightforward, and both captains will likely prefer to bowl first and assess the surface.
Toss Prediction
Both teams have shown a clear preference for chasing this season. The pitch in Dharamsala can play tricky under lights, but since this is an afternoon fixture, conditions will be consistent throughout.
Toss Prediction: Bowl first. Whichever team wins the toss is expected to choose to field and chase a target.
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record
History is firmly in RCB’s favour when these two sides meet. Let us take a look at the numbers from their past encounters.
| Stat | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 35+ |
| Last 10 Meetings | RCB leads 7-3 |
| Last 5 Meetings | RCB leads 4-1 |
| Last 3 Completed Games | RCB won all 3 |
RCB have dominated this rivalry in recent years, and their confidence will be high going into this game. PBKS last won against RCB over a year ago, which adds to the mental edge RCB carry into this match.
Predicted Playing XIs – PBKS vs RCB
Team selection can always have last-minute changes due to injuries or tactical calls. Based on recent lineups and form, here are the predicted XIs for both sides.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted XI
PBKS will need a strong contribution from both their top order and their bowling unit. The management may also use the Impact Player rule smartly to try and cover their bowling weakness.
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK)
- Cooper Connolly
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Suryansh Shedge
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Shashank Singh
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Xavier Bartlett / Ben Dwarshuis
- Impact Player Options: Vijaykumar Vyshak / Harpreet Brar
Vyshak has claimed 9 wickets in 9 matches this season and is the frontrunner to come in as the impact bowling option if PBKS bowls first. Harpreet Brar is the experienced backup choice if the pitch grips.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Predicted XI
RCB go in with a balanced lineup that covers all three departments. They also have quality options on the bench to use as impact players depending on the match situation.
- Virat Kohli
- Jacob Bethell
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Rasikh Salam Dar
- Impact Player Options: Suyash Sharma / Venkatesh Iyer
Suyash Sharma has taken 7 wickets in 10 matches this season with an economy of 8.57. He is the top impact bowling choice for RCB. If they are chasing a huge total, Padikkal may be brought in as a batting impact sub.
Key Players to Watch
A few players from both sides could have a big say in the result of this match. Keep an eye on these names.
Punjab Kings
- Prabhsimran Singh: PBKS’s leading run-scorer this season with 439 runs. He sets the platform at the top for everything PBKS do with the bat.
- Cooper Connolly: One of the genuine breakout stars of IPL 2026. He averages close to 49 with the bat and brings a calm head to the middle order.
- Arshdeep Singh: PBKS’s most reliable bowler and a key wicket-taker in the powerplay. He will need a big game here.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Virat Kohli: Coming off an unbeaten 105 off 60 balls against KKR, he has now scored over 200 runs in his last five innings against Punjab. He is the standout captain pick for any fantasy team today.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Holds the Purple Cap this season with 22 wickets at an economy of 7.55. He is RCB’s biggest match-winner with the ball.
- Devdutt Padikkal: Blistering form with 367 runs at a strike rate of 172.30. He can change a game very quickly if he gets going.
Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Tips for PBKS vs RCB Match 61
Building a winning Dream11 team for this match requires balancing form, venue stats, and the match-up between the two sides. Here are the top picks for today.
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Virat Kohli – The clear first choice. He is in superb form, has a brilliant record against PBKS, and bats at a ground that suits his game perfectly.
- Vice-Captain: Cooper Connolly – A consistent performer with the bat who also chips in with useful overs. Good value at a slightly lower ownership than Kohli.
Top Fantasy Picks
- Prabhsimran Singh (Batter – PBKS)
- Devdutt Padikkal (Batter – RCB)
- Shreyas Iyer (Batter – PBKS)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Bowler – RCB)
- Arshdeep Singh (Bowler – PBKS)
These five picks cover both teams and offer a solid mix of batting reliability and bowling potency. Adjust based on your fantasy platform’s rules and budget constraints.
Betting Tips for PBKS vs RCB Match 61
If you enjoy sports betting on platforms that are legally accessible in your region, here are a few market tips based on current form and venue stats. Always bet responsibly and within your limits.
- Match Winner: RCB to win. They are the stronger and more consistent side on current form.
- Top RCB Batter: Virat Kohli to score 30 or more runs. He has crossed this mark in four of his last five innings.
- Top RCB Bowler: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be RCB’s leading wicket-taker. He has been the most consistent bowler in the tournament this season.
- Total Runs Market: The over line is attractive at Dharamsala. The ground has a high average first innings score of 190 to 205.
Remember, betting involves financial risk. Please check whether sports betting is legal in your state before placing any wagers.
Final Verdict
PBKS have a genuinely dangerous batting lineup, and on their day, they can beat any team in the competition.
But five straight losses, a bowling unit that keeps leaking runs, and a poor record in Dharamsala make this a very tough assignment for them.
RCB, on the other hand, are ticking all the right boxes. Kohli is in the form of his life. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is leading the bowling attack with authority. The top two finish is almost within touching distance. They have every reason to perform at their best today.
Final Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to defeat Punjab Kings and move closer to locking in a top-two spot in the IPL 2026 points table.
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Conclusion
This is a high-stakes game for both sides, but for very different reasons. PBKS desperately need a win to stay in playoff contention. RCB want to seal their place in the top two and carry momentum into the business end of the season.
Based on current form, head-to-head record, venue stats, and the quality of both squads, RCB look the more likely winners today.
That said, cricket can surprise you, and PBKS are not without the firepower to upset the table-toppers.
If you are playing Dream11 today, Virat Kohli is your captain pick without a second thought. Watch the toss closely before finalising your team, as both sides are expected to want to bowl first.
Follow the match live on JioHotstar or Star Sports Network for all the action from Dharamsala.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
