PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today Match 61 – Preview: Match No. 61 of the Indian Premier League 2026 will feature a blockbuster clash between last season’s finalists, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This exciting afternoon game will begin at 3:30 PM IST on Sunday at the beautiful Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
This is the first meeting between these two teams since the IPL 2025 final, which adds extra intensity to the contest. Both teams still have plenty to play for, especially PBKS, who are currently under massive pressure after suffering five consecutive defeats.
RCB, meanwhile, are sitting comfortably at the top of the points table with 16 points. They bounced back strongly in their previous game against Kolkata Knight Riders with a sensational high-scoring chase. Virat Kohli returned to form with another IPL century, while the middle order also contributed at crucial moments. RCB’s bowling attack has been one of the most consistent units this season, with Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, and Jacob Duffy regularly delivering match-winning spells.
Punjab Kings are facing a completely different situation. Their batting unit has still managed to score runs consistently, but the bowling department has let them down repeatedly. PBKS have conceded 200-plus totals eight times in 12 matches this season, which highlights the biggest concern for the side. Shreyas Iyer and his men now need victories in their remaining games to stay alive in the playoff race.
Dharamsala is expected to offer another batting-friendly wicket with good bounce and carry. Fans can expect another high-scoring thriller between two explosive batting lineups.
PBKS vs RCB Match 61 Details – IPL 2026
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Indian Premier League 2026 |
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Match Number | 61 |
| Date | May 17, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction 2026: Small League & Grand League Teams
We have selected the best fantasy cricket picks for today’s IPL match after analyzing recent form, batting conditions, player performances, bowling matchups, and venue trends. Small league users should focus on safe captain picks, while grand league users can try differential combinations.
PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Small League Team
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma |
| Batters | Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Priyansh Arya, Rajat Patidar |
| All-rounders | Krunal Pandya, Azmatullah Omarzai, Cooper Connolly |
| Bowlers | Josh Hazlewood, Arshdeep Singh |
Today Dream11 Team Captain And Vice-Captain Choices – Small League
- Priyansh Arya
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Krunal Pandya
These players are in good form and can provide steady fantasy points in small contests.
PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Grand League Team
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeepers | Prabhsimran Singh |
| Batters | Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal |
| All-rounders | Cooper Connolly, Krunal Pandya, Tim David |
| Bowlers | Hazlewood, Chahal, Arshdeep Singh |
Today Dream11 Team Captain And Vice-Captain Choices – Grand League
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Cooper Connolly
- Rajat Patidar
These are strong high-risk, high-reward captain choices for mega contests.
PBKS vs RCB Top Fantasy Picks
Top Batters
| Player | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Batter |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Batter |
| Devdutt Padikkal | RCB | Batter |
| Priyansh Arya | PBKS | Batter |
Top All-rounders
| Player | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Krunal Pandya | RCB | All-rounder |
| Cooper Connolly | PBKS | All-rounder |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | PBKS | All-rounder |
| Tim David | RCB | Finisher |
Top Bowlers
| Player | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Bowler |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS | Bowler |
| Jacob Duffy | RCB | Bowler |
PBKS vs RCB Match 61 – Where to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Live Telecast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
PBKS vs RCB Pitch & Weather Report
| 🌟 Factor | 🏏 Details |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ Temperature | 21-23°C |
| 🌧️ Weather Forecast | 50-55% Humidity with 10% rain chances |
| 🏟️ Pitch Behavior | Batting-Friendly |
| ⚡ Best Suited To | Fast Bowlers |
| 1️⃣ Avg 1st Innings Score | Around 190 |
| 📊 Chasing Record | Average |
| 🏆 Winning % While Chasing | 44% |
The Dharamsala pitch generally offers pace and bounce, helping aggressive stroke play. Fast bowlers can get early movement, but once batters settle, the ground becomes excellent for scoring runs.
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 37 |
| RCB Wins | 19 |
| PBKS Wins | 18 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB hold a very slight edge in the overall rivalry.
PBKS vs RCB Match 61 Ground Stats – HPCA Stadium
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 16 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 9 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 7 |
| Average First Innings Score | 190 |
| Highest Score | 241/7 (RCB) |
| Lowest Score | 116 (PBKS) |
PBKS vs RCB Probable Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jacob Bethell
Virat Kohli
Rajat Patidar (c)
Devdutt Padikkal
Jitesh Sharma (wk)
Tim David
Venkatesh Iyer
Krunal Pandya
Rasikh Salam Dar
Jacob Duffy
Josh Hazlewood
Punjab Kings
Priyansh Arya
Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
Cooper Connolly
Shreyas Iyer (c)
Suryansh Shedge
Shashank Singh
Azmatullah Omarzai
Marco Jansen
Xavier Bartlett
Arshdeep Singh
Yuzvendra Chahal
PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction – Who Will Win?
Both teams have explosive batting lineups, which is why another high-scoring contest is expected. However, the biggest difference between these two teams has been the bowling performance.
RCB have looked more balanced with the ball. Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Duffy, and Rasikh have consistently controlled the middle and death overs. Punjab Kings, meanwhile, have struggled badly while defending totals.
PBKS can still challenge RCB if their top order fires together and Chahal produces a big spell. But considering current momentum, overall balance, and bowling form, RCB look slightly ahead.
Match Prediction:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are favorites to win this match.
PBKS vs RCB Injury Updates
| Team | Injury Update |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | No Injury Update |
| Punjab Kings | No Injury Update |
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Pick top-order batters from both teams because Dharamsala favors aggressive batting.
- Virat Kohli is a safe captain choice in small leagues.
- Krunal Pandya and Cooper Connolly can contribute in both departments.
- Hazlewood and Arshdeep are strong wicket-taking options.
- Try differential picks like Suryansh Shedge or Tim David in grand leagues.
Disclaimer
Fantasy sports like Dream11 involve financial risk and may be habit-forming. Please play responsibly and at your own discretion.
