IPL 2026: PBKS vs RCB, Match 61 - Top player battles to watch out for

Punjab Kings (PBKS) square off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, May 17.

This will be the first encounter between the two sides in IPL 2026, and it promises to be a thrilling one with lots at stake for both the sides. 

Punjab Kings, despite their strong start to the season, enter this contest under immense pressure after losing five consecutive matches. A win is much needed for them to keep their playoff hopes alive. RCB, on the other hand, just need a win to qualify. 

Here are the key player battles in PBKS vs RCB, Match 61 of IPL 2026:

3. Shreyas Iyer vs Krunal Pandya

The Punjab captain will go up against RCB’s spinner Krunal Pandya in this crucial middle-overs face-off. Iyer is the one who holds the PBKS’ innings together with his calm presence. He has scored 396 runs in 11 innings. 

Krunal, on the other hand, is one of RCB’s mainstays in the middle-overs with the ball. He gives them a good option to restrict the flow of runs. He also has picked up 10 wickets so far. 

2. Arshdeep Singh vs Virat Kohli  

The left-arm pacer from Punjab can cause trouble for Virat Kohli with his inswinging deliveries with the new ball despite not being in such a great form. Kohli, on the other hand, is once again carrying RCB’s batting on his back, scoring in almost every match. He is coming off after a stellar century against KKR, and would be in great confidence.

Arshdeep, too, is slowly gaining his confidence back after a shaky start to the season. This powerplay battle will be crucial in the context of the match.  

1. Priyansh Arya vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

This powerplay battle between two in-form players promises to be a match defining one. Priyansh Arya has been terrific for PBKS, especially in the powerplay overs, where he just changes the complexion of the game with ease, scoring runs at a brisk rate. He has scored 364 runs at a stunning strike rate of 216.66.

But he will face an incredibly hard challenge against Bhuvneshwar, who has been in sensational form with the ball for RCB. The current Purple Cap holder can pose a great challenge in front of the youngster.