PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's standout batter, Virat Kohli, set a new record in their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. He reached a landmark milestone by becoming the first batter to amass 5500 runs as an opener for a single franchise. Before the match, he needed only seven runs to achieve this milestone, accomplishing it with a six off Azmatullah Omarzai. Only two other batters—Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner—have scored 5500 runs as openers, but both did so for multiple teams.
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss during his 100th IPL match as skipper, opting to bowl first.
Punjab Kings introduced Harpreet Brar and Lockie Ferguson into their playing XI.
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Jitesh Sharma, captaining RCB in Rajat Patidar's absence, confirmed two changes: Suyash Sharma and Romario Shepherd replaced Patidar and Jacob Duffy.
“We wanted to bowl first, but the pitch should hold up for 40 overs. Rajat is in great form and should rejoin us in Hyderabad. We're at a crucial stage in the tournament, and I'm pleased with our performance, both individually and collectively. Yes, our team looks exceptionally stable right now. We're giving our all in every department. A win tonight clinches a playoff spot; it's a pivotal game for us. Every match counts at this stage. Victory tonight could reshape the standings for many teams. Suyash takes Rajat's place, and Romario replaces Duffy," Jitesh Sharma said at the toss.
Teams:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.
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Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.