Punjab Kings (PBKS) are strong favourites to emerge as winners in their IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 28 as Shreyas Iyer and co. look to continue their unbeaten run in this season. PBKS are currently at the top of the IPL 2026 points table and are yet to lose a game, with the entire team functioning as a well-oiled unit. A strong batting order powered by the aggression of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal coupled with a fiery bowling attack spearheaded by Jofra Archer makes RR one of the most formidable sides.
However, PBKS have been functioning in perfect sync across departments in IPL 2026 so far, making very few mistakes. This makes them the favourites to win the competition apart from the fact that they have the home ground advantage as well. PBKS recently completed the highest successful run-chase in the history of IPL after chasing down 265 runs against DC recently. They will be hoping to replicate a similar feat against RR on Tuesday.
PBKS vs RR details
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2026
- Date: April 28, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh)
What to expect at Mullanpur?
A high-scoring thriller is on the cards on Tuesday in the PBKS vs RR game. The Mullanpur track has been a graveyard for bowlers this season, recently witnessing the highest successful chase in T20 history. The average first-innings score here is hovering around 210.
While the pitch offers some initial carry for the pacers, it flattens out beautifully under the lights. Spinners might find a bit of grip, but the small boundaries make any error in length fatal. With a 20% chance of rain predicted and heavy dew expected later in the evening, the captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first.
Key battles in PBKS vs RR tie
Arshdeep Singh vs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the find of the season for RR, already smashing a century. However, he faces his toughest test yet against Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep’s ability to swing the ball back into the left-hander could be the key to stifling RR’s explosive start.
Shreyas Iyer vs Ravi Bishnoi PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has been the anchor of their middle order. How he handles the leg-spin of Ravi Bishnoi will be crucial. Bishnoi has dismissed Iyer twice in their last five encounters, and this battle in the middle overs could dictate the tempo of the PBKS innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Lockie Ferguson Jaiswal has struggled for consistency this season but remains a match-winner. PBKS might unleash the raw pace of Lockie Ferguson (expected to return to the XI) to rattle the RR opener early on.
Head-to-Head record
- Matches Played: 30
- PBKS Won: 13
- RR Won: 17
- No Result: 0
- At Mullanpur: PBKS Won: 1 | RR Won: 1
Predicted playing XIs for PBKS & RR
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshakh
Impact player: Yuzvendra Chahal
Rajasthan Royals (RR): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande
Impact player: Brijesh Sharma
Who will win PBKS vs RR match?
This is a battle between momentum and desperation. Punjab Kings are playing a fearless brand of cricket where every player, from the openers to the finishers, is contributing. Their confidence following the 265-run chase makes them formidable favorites at home.
Rajasthan Royals have the individual quality to beat anyone, but their middle order has looked shaky. Unless Jofra Archer can produce a magical spell to break the PBKS top order, the Kings are likely to extend their unbeaten streak.
Win Probability:
- PBKS – 55%
- RR – 45%
Prediction: Punjab Kings to win, especially if they are chasing.
