PBKS vs RCB: Will the batsmen shine or will the bowlers shine? How will be the Dharamshala pitch?

Hospice: Today the 61st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be played between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This match will be played on May 17 at 3:30 pm (Indian time) at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamshala. Today’s match is going to be important for both the teams. In such a situation, let us know in whose favor the pitch of Dharamshala is going to be.

Current situation of both the teams

Punjab Kings had started the tournament on a great note. It remained undefeated in the first seven matches, but after that it faced five consecutive defeats. Now to make it to the playoffs it is necessary to win every match.

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have made a great comeback after some initial setbacks. With 8 wins in 12 matches, RCB is in a strong position and remains ahead in the race for the playoffs.

dharamshala pitch report

The pitch at Dharamshala generally provides good support to fast bowlers. Here the ball is expected to get swing and seam movement. In the first match played this season, the spin bowlers did not get a single over, while in the second match the spinners got only seven overs. Fast bowlers prove to be the main weapon on this field.

Batsmen will have to be careful in the beginning, but batting may become easier once the pitch dries. Overall, this pitch is considered balanced, where fast bowlers of both the teams can play an important role.

Dharamshala pitch statistics

• Total matches in IPL: 16
• Wins batting first: 9 (56.25%)
• Win in second innings: 7 (43.75%)
• Highest score: 241/7 (RCB vs PBKS)
• Average score (batting first): 189.69

Probable playing 11 of both the teams

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Player: Harpreet Brar

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Jacob Bethel, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood.

Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal