IPL 2026: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 61 - Who Said What?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to qualify for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League after registering a 23-run victory over Punjab Kings on May 17 at HPCA Stadium.

Batting first, RCB produced a commanding performance and posted 222/4 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli once again played a vital role at the top of the order, scoring 58 runs from 37 deliveries. His innings included four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 156.76. Kohli ensured RCB maintained momentum during the powerplay and middle overs.

Later, Venkatesh Iyer accelerated brilliantly with an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls. The left-hander struck eight fours and four sixes while batting at a strike rate of 182.50, helping RCB cross the 220-run mark. For PBKS, Harpreet Brar was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/35 in four overs.

In reply, PBKS fought hard but could only manage 199/8 in 20 overs. Shashank Singh played an aggressive knock of 56 from just 27 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 207.41. However, the required run rate kept rising as RCB bowlers delivered at crucial stages of the innings. Rasikh Salam Dar starred with the ball, taking 3/36, while experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 2/38.

With this victory, RCB officially sealed their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs and strengthened their position at the top of the table. PBKS, meanwhile, remained fourth with 13 points from 13 matches and will need a strong finish to confirm qualification.

Talking Points:

Venkatesh Iyer displays his ‘Mersal’ innings

Venkatesh Iyer stole the spotlight with a sensational unbeaten knock of 73 runs from just 40 deliveries. The stylish left-hander smashed eight fours and four sixes while maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 182.50. He shifted gears brilliantly during the middle overs and punished the PBKS bowlers with fearless strokeplay. After reaching his half-century, Venkatesh celebrated in the signature style of actor C. Joseph Vijay from the film Mersal, which thrilled fans in the stadium and on social media.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar strikes early blows

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided RCB with the perfect start during the chase. He removed Priyansh Arya for a duck and dismissed Prabhsimran Singh for just two runs. His disciplined spell created immediate pressure on PBKS and pushed them onto the back foot inside the powerplay.

Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh fight back

PBKS attempted a recovery through Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh, who stitched together an important 50-plus partnership for the sixth wicket. Shashank played a fearless innings and scored a rapid half-century at a strike rate above 200. His attacking approach briefly kept PBKS in the contest, but the required rate continued to rise.

Who said what?

Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings (Losing Captain)

(on where the game started to unravel) Obviously, they got off to a great start and then started taking on the bowlers right after the powerplay. I think getting to 222 was a commendable performance and we weren’t able to take wickets in the bowling that much, but yeah, I think the match was lost in the powerplay. (on the difficult chase after losing early wickets) Absolutely. We were three down and the majority of our run scorers were Prabhsimran and Priyansh. The starts they used to give us in the powerplay, obviously we couldn’t get this time and also me coming in and getting out early. Really disappointed, but commendable performance by Shashank and Stoinis and also a few others in the middle. I think we were up there with almost 10 an over, but yeah, fell short. Tremendous bowling by Bhuvi and Hazlewood. (on staying positive ahead of the next game against Lucknow) No, definitely. I’m always positive irrespective of the results. It doesn’t dictate how my personality is and I always approach with a strong attitude. I’m not someone who dwells too much in the past. This is over, this is gone. Tomorrow again I’m going to see the sunrise and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

Jitesh Sharma, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Winning Captain)

(on whether the chase got tricky at any stage) No, I think we were all in control. In the batting and the bowling, we were in control. (on the mood in the team at the halfway stage with 222 on the board) We were not under pressure, frankly speaking. We were in control. We know what we want to do on this wicket because we batted on that and the batters had given very good feedback on what was working on that wicket. So we planned particularly for particular batsmen and we were executing that properly. (on his contribution as captain) No, it’s okay, it’s fine. It’s part of my job. Whatever my management has given, I have to do and give my hundred percent, that’s it. (on having experienced bowlers in the side while captaining and keeping wickets) We are privileged that they are playing for RCB and with that I got so many senior players to guide me in the centre when I’m doing captaincy to those bowlers. I think that’s great. It’s a great experience to play with those boys. (on captaining against RCB previously and now leading them) Yes, obviously. (on the next game and Rajat Patidar’s return) My actual skipper is doing really well. He’s going to captain next game. I think our RCB motto is very simple - one game at a time. That’s the thing. We are not thinking ahead or anything. We just want to play our best cricket in every match, that’s it.

Venkatesh Iyer, Player of the Match

(on receiving the award despite limited opportunities this season) Yeah, technically it’s my second game being part of the playing XI and today’s the first time I properly got to bat. So that’s the more pleasing thing than getting a Man of the Match. And also the two points, so really happy. (on joining RCB after spending time with KKR) They’ve welcomed me very well. Obviously, it’s a very professional setup and the cricket part of it, the management, it’s just unbelievable. All credit to Mo Bobat and DK, the way they have taken care of the boys, it’s just unbelievable. On top of that, the brand of cricket that RCB plays is something that excites me a lot. I’ve spent a lot of time at KKR, so yeah, there will be an emotional bond, but I’ve really felt at home here. (on waiting for opportunities in a strong batting lineup) I’d lie if I said that I was not frustrated or not wanting to play. I was really wanting to go out there and play because for players like us, it’s the opportunity to play in the IPL. We want to play, we want to do well. But I do understand, I’ve been here long enough to understand that this is a champion team and to tinker with the combination is not always right. But I always tried to create an impact on the coaching staff to make me play and I will deliver. I’m really happy that I got my opportunity. (on his innings after starting slowly) I think, yeah, it was scratchy at the beginning, but I was lucky to be batting alongside Virat Kohli. Obviously the mindset shift that he’s able to communicate to you. I think with all the legends of the game, one thing that stands out is the communication, that’s the key. If you’re able to communicate well with your partner because it’s two people out there scoring runs together for the team, so that was the key. (on taking time to settle in) Yeah, absolutely. I’ve been playing here, but I played after a long time this season. I actually needed those first few balls just to get into the groove. Once I understood the wicket and I had the freedom to go after the bowling, then I think it was good for me.