RCB Strongest XI vs PBKS For IPL 2026, Match 61. PC- AP
The table-toppers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will eye the qualification tag as they take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 61 of the IPL 2026 at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, on Sunday (May 17).
Currently with 16 points after 12 matches, RCB have a two-game winning streak. They defeated KKR in their last outing.
In the previous game, Kolkata posted 192/4 against a quality RCB bowling. However, a top knock from Virat Kohli, where the RCB star shattered multiple records, helped RCB hunt down the target with ease.
As the defending champions meet last season's runners-up for the first time in IPL 2026, let us look at the best-suited RCB Playing XI vs PBKS.
RCB Playing XI vs PBKS, IPL 2026, Match 61
Top Order: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal
Virat Kohli registered a record ninth IPL century in RCB's previous outing as he returned to form after getting back-to-back ducks. He will be a must-pick in the RCB Playing XI, especially in the absence of Phil Salt.
Staying on Salt's topic, the explosive opener is still rehabbing in England, meaning there would be a toss-up between Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox. Although the former hasn't done much, he will likely be trusted by the RCB management.
Devdutt Padikkal may haven't hit a fifty in last five innings, but the RCB number 3 has been consistent in getting 30s and 40s. He will be retained in the RCB Playing XI vs PBKS.
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Middle Order & All-Rounders: Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya
Rajat Patidar was hit on the head in the previous game and was shortly dismissed. The RCB captain has been in tremendous form this season, and he will look to contribute vs PBKS, who might field two quality spinners at Dharamsala.
Jitesh Sharma's form can be a concern, but the wicketkeeper has strong backing from the RCB management. He will be a part of the RCB Playing XI vs PBKS.
Tim David has had two consecutive failures, but the explosive finisher has been the backbone of RCB's batting order this year. He will be a crucial player against Punjab.
Meanwhile, David will Romario Shepherd as the other finishing option in the RCB Playing XI. Although the Caribbean all-rounder dropped in the the last game, he may return as Dharamsala's pitch would be better suited to Shepherd than to Jacob Duffy.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam
The way Bhuvneshwar Kumar is bowling, the right-arm pacer will look to play as much as he can. The Dharamsala will be the most juicy track for a swing master like Bhuvneshwar.
Josh Hazlewood has to be a part of the RCB Playing XI vs PBKS for the very fact that he has better match-ups against various Punjab batters.
Rasikh Salam could get ample aid in Dharamsala. So, he will be there in the RCB Playing XI. Meanwhile, Jacob Duffy will be out, given it will be an afternoon fixture against PBKS. Thus, Suyash Sharma, the leg-spinner, will likely play as the Impact Player.
RCB vs PBKS Playing XI- Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam.
PBKS vs RCB Impact Player Options
RCB Impact Players: Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Swapnil Singh, Mangesh Yadav.
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