PBKS vs RCB IPL 2026 Live: How to Watch Match 61 in Dharamsala
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The High-Stakes Clash at Dharamsala
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is set to host a pivotal encounter in Match No. 61 of the IPL 2026 between the Punjab Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. For the home side, this is a desperate battle for survival, while the visitors look to cement their position at the pinnacle of the points table.
Punjab Kings: A Fight for Survival
The Punjab Kings find themselves in a precarious position after suffering five consecutive defeats. With 13 points from 12 matches, the team’s playoff aspirations are hanging by a thread. To keep their hopes alive, they must secure a victory in this encounter; a loss would all but confirm their exit from the tournament.
The team’s struggles have been collective, spanning across batting, bowling, and fielding. While individuals like Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Cooper Connolly have provided sparks of talent, the lack of consistency from captain Shreyas Iyer has been a significant blow to their middle-order stability. Furthermore, the bowling unit has faced immense pressure. Despite Yuzvendra Chahal showing flashes of his match-winning brilliance, the team management has been criticized for not allowing him to bowl his full quota of overs. Meanwhile, pacers Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Xavier Bartlett have struggled to contain runs, conceding totals that have proven too difficult for their batting lineup to chase.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Maintaining the Momentum
In stark contrast, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been the team to beat this season. As the defending champions, they have showcased remarkable resilience and form. Currently leading the standings with 16 points from 12 games, they are just one win away from officially booking their spot in the next round.
Virat Kohli continues to be the cornerstone of their success, with the team rarely losing when he finds his rhythm at the crease, including his recent spectacular century against the Kolkata Knight Riders. The potential inclusion of Phil Salt—who has returned to India following medical clearance in England—further strengthens an already formidable top order. With support from Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Tim David, the batting depth is significant. Additionally, the bowling combination of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood has consistently rattled opposition lineups, supported effectively by the all-round contributions of Krunal Pandya.
Match Details and How to Watch
The clash is scheduled for May 17. Fans can catch all the live action through the following channels and platforms:
- Date: May 17
- Time: 03:30 PM IST (Toss at 03:00 PM IST)
- Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
- TV Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar App and Website
Please note that a paid subscription is required to access the full live match coverage. While users can watch the initial 15 minutes for free, a subscription plan is mandatory for the complete broadcast.
Full Squads
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer, Jitesh Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox, Nuwan Thushara, Mangesh Yadav, Rasikh Dar, Swapnil Singh, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, and Abhinandan Singh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch today’s PBKS vs RCB match live?
The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network Channels and streamed live on the JioHotStar app and website.
What time does the match start?
The match is scheduled to begin at 03:30 PM IST, with the toss taking place at 03:00 PM IST.
Is there a way to watch the match for free?
Viewers can watch a 15-minute preview for free, but a valid subscription is required for the full live match duration.
