Cooper Connolly Virat Kohli Harpreet Brar Fight In PBKS vs RCB. Image Credits: X
Virat Kohli has been excellent with the bat for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 tournament. This time, he even made sure that two Punjab Kings (PBKS) players fought with each other.
This happened during the 61st match of the Indian Premier League 2026 season between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings on May 17, 2026. This game is being played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, and saw PBKS win the toss and choose to bowl first.
No Rajat Patidar for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
At the toss, everyone was surprised to see Jitesh Sharma coming out for RCB, along with Shreyas Iyer of Punjab Kings. Regular RCB captain Rajat Patidar missed this match for the side.
Uncertainty over their captain was the last thing RCB wanted, especially with a playoff spot so close. This season, Rajat Patidar has been the driving force behind Bengaluru's batting; thus, his absence raised red flags right away.
However, at the toss, Jitesh Sharma revealed that Patidar is missing this match due to precaution and is expected to be available for RCB’s final league game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Also Read: Watch- Virat Kohli, Harpreet Brar Involved In Brutal Death Stare Off
“Rajat is doing fantastic now, and hopefully we’ll see him in Hyderabad,” Jitesh said at the toss.
Despite missing both training sessions and not traveling with the team to Dharamsala, Rajat Patidar's most recent injury update suggests there are no serious issues.
Virat Kohli leads the way for RCB
Once again, Virat Kohli demonstrated why he is considered one of the best players in IPL history. In the 61st IPL 2026 match, Punjab Kings (PBKS) took on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.
Though Jacob Bethell fell for 11 runs, Virat Kohli continued his brilliant form. Kohli has 534 runs in 12 games with a strike rate of 165.32 in IPL 2026, with one century and four fifties. His highest score has been 105*.
He added 58 more runs to his run tally in 37 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. He was sublime in his stroke play and scored runs all around the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
Harpreet Brar gets angry with his Punjab Kings teammate over Virat Kohli
Harpreet Brar, the Punjab Kings spinner, was not happy with his teammate, who let go of a chance to dismiss Virat Kohli. The incident happened on the final ball of the 14th over for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Harpreet Brar bowled a fuller delivery on Kohli’s off-stump, and instead of hitting it with full strength, Kohli only managed to chip the ball in the air. The ball floated toward the long-on position. The fielder, Cooper Connolly, stationed at the position, made a full attempt to get to the ball but couldn’t reach the ball to catch it.
Seeing the half-hearted effort, Harpreet was not very happy with Connolly for not diving or putting more effort into taking the catch and showed his displeasure by shouting at him.
Watch the video below:
Punjab Kings require a win
This match is very important for the Punjab Kings as a Shreyas Iyer-led side. They began strongly with 6 wins in their first seven matches.
However, something happened, and PBKS lost their next five games in a row. Punjab, who were at the top of the points table, have now slumped to the 4th spot and need a win here to qualify for the playoffs.
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.jpg?type=mq "Oh, what was that Harpreet Brar?")
.jpg?type=mq "Virat Kohli ❤️")
