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.