Shashank Singh To Be Benched? PBKS Strongest XI vs RCB For IPL 2026, Match 61

Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer [Source: AP]

Punjab Kings are set to lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2026 clash on May 17, and after their previous outing exposed several middle-order vulnerabilities, PBKS could be tempted to slightly restructure their Playing XI for the high-pressure contest.

The bowling lineup too has taken a hit after PBKS lost five consecutive matches in a row. Despite posting 200 runs in their last match, Punjab’s bowling lineup failed to defend the target with experienced veterans being slammed for the cleaners.

Hence, ahead of the RCB vs PBKS clash, let’s take a look at the strongest PBKS Playing XI the team can field against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

PBKS Playing XI vs RCB - IPL 2026, Match 61

Top Order- Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer

Priyansh Arya should continue opening after his explosive campaign so far. The youngster has smashed 364 runs in 11 innings at a stunning strike rate of 216.66. His aggressive powerplay intent will make him a massive threat against RCB’s pace attack.

Prabhsimran Singh has arguably been PBKS’ most consistent batter this season. With 439 runs in 11 innings at an average of 43.9. Hence, he would continue the opening duties with Priyansh as the duo has been the backbone of Punjab’s batting setup.

Cooper Connolly has added tremendous balance to the side. The Australian all-rounder has piled up 436 runs at an average of 48.44 and strike rate of 162.08. His ability to attack spin and stabilize collapses makes him an ideal No. 3 option.

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer remains the pillar of the batting lineup despite a failure in the previous match. Iyer has scored 396 runs at an average of 49.5 with five fifties this season. Hence, his composure against spin in middle overs will be crucial against RCB.

Middle Order and All-Rounders- Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen

Although there are talks around Shashank Singh potentially being benched, PBKS would still benefit from retaining him in PBKS Playing XI vs RCB because of his finishing ability and additional bowling option. While his batting numbers this season have not been extraordinary, his strike rate of 176.74 and economy of 7.8 with the ball still make him a valuable utility player.

Azmatullah Omarzai looked destructive in his first appearance, smashing 38 off just 17 balls at a strike rate of 223.52 while also picking two wickets. His aggressive lower-order batting adds depth that Punjab lacked earlier in the tournament.

Marco Jansen’s numbers with the ball may not look exceptional, but his left-arm angle and bounce remain valuable against RCB’s right-heavy batting unit. Jansen also strengthens the lower-order batting depth.

Bowlers- Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Vyshak Vijaykumar has quietly become a reliable wicket-taking option for PBKS with nine wickets from eight innings. His variations in the middle overs could prove useful on flatter batting tracks.

Xavier Bartlett adds extra pace and lower-order hitting ability. Though he has only five wickets this season, his ability to contribute late runs at a strike rate above 223 strengthens Punjab’s balance significantly.

Arshdeep Singh will continue leading the pace attack with 13 wickets this season. Despite an economy of 9.69, he remains PBKS’ most dependable wicket-taker in pressure situations.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s experience will be critical in middle overs. The veteran spinner has picked nine wickets and remains PBKS’ primary spin weapon against RCB’s dangerous batting lineup.