Today’s IPL 2026 Match 40 features The Punjab Kings take on the Rajasthan Royals at New Chandigarh. PBKS aim for pole position with an unbeaten run. RR seeks revival via high scores and fast bowlers. A flat pitch promises high totals.
PBKS vs RR Match Snapshot
- PBKS face RR at 7:30 PM IST on April 28, 2026.
- Location: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, New Chandigarh.
- PBKS lead the way with 13 points after 7 consecutive victories.
- RR is in the middle with mixed bag.
- Average of 212 first innings from three previous matches here.
PBKS vs RR Team Form Guide
PBKS excel on powerplays and in chases. They control middle overs very well. RR boasts batting prowess but recently missed runs. However, they have varied bowling. All in all, recent form is with PBKS. But RR can turn it fast.
Head-to-Head Stats
- RR lead 17-13 overall in 30 clashes
- PBKS won last 2 meetings
- Average: 178 runs per innings
New Chandigarh Pitch Report
Flat surface rewards clean batsmen. Good bounce helps pace early.
- First innings par: 200-210.
- Chases improved by dew post 9 PM IST.
- Batting friendly, avg score 212
- Bowlers take 60% wickets in the first phase
- Spinners grip middle phase
- Chasing success rate: 67%
PBKS aim to charge quickly. RR is geared for early wickets and death squeezes.
PBKS Likely Playing XI
Prabhsimran fires openers, while Shreyas Iyer stabilises. Arshdeep, on the other hand, nails yorkers.
| Player | Role | Key 2026 Stats |
| Prabhsimran Singh (wk) | Opener | 284 runs, SR 156, 7 inns |
| Priyansh Arya | Opener | 210 runs, SR 148 PP focus |
| Cooper Connolly | Middle | 165 runs + 2 wkts |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | Anchor | 312 runs, avg 78, SR 142 |
| Nehal Wadhera | Finisher | SR 140 middle overs |
| Shashank Singh | Death | 198 runs specialist |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-round | 3/22 best figures |
| Marco Jansen | Pace | 8 wkts, econ 7.8 |
| Xavier Bartlett | Pace | 9 wkts, death econ 8.2 |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | Swing | 11 scalps early |
| Arshdeep Singh | Death | 14 wkts, best 3/19 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Impact Player | 12 wkts, econ 7.2 |
PBKS blend pace battery with top-order blaze. They aim for 200+ totals.
RR Likely Playing XI
Vaibhav Suryavanshi qualifies for Orange Cap. Jofra Archer spears attacks, and Bishnoi spins well.
| Player | Role | Key 2026 Stats |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Opener | 278 runs, SR 162 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener | 255 runs, avg 42.5, SR 153 |
| Dhruv Jurel (wk) | Keeper | 189 runs sharp glovework |
| Riyan Parag (c) | Middle | 267 runs, SR 145 control |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Finisher | 156* SR death |
| Donovan Ferreira | Power | Recent 50s boost |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-round | 4 wkts, econ 6.9 |
| Jofra Archer | Pace | 10 wkts threat |
| Nandre Burger | Bounce | 7 early scalps |
| Tushar Deshpande | Death | Econ 8.1 specialist |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spin | 11 wkts mystery |
| Brijesh Sharma | Impact Player | Leg-spin option |
RR fuse youthful exuberance with Archer energy. Likewise, dew chasing fits their style.
Match Prediction
PBKS have tempo and advantage, so they chase par scores. Whereas RR can fire if the top fires. But PBKS’s form bodes fairly well.
Result: PBKS prevail by a whisker batting second. 205 to defend or chase.
PBKS vs RR Key Players to Watch
- Priyansh Arya (PBKS) 210 runs SR 148, Mullanpur monster
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi (RR): 278 runs SR 162, Orange Cap chase
- Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): 14 wkts home king
- Jofra Archer (RR): 10 wkts pace fire
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): 312 runs chase master
These stars swing tides. Debates ignite here.
The Final Over
PBKS have a bright future. RR have big strokes, but pace is when they are at home. Watch the live match from 7:30 PM IST. Who grabs points? Don’t miss the Kheloexch IPL action daily!
Match Analysis FAQ
PBKS vs RR today’s match time?
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on April 28, 2026. Fans will get a spectacular evening in New Chandigarh.
Who has the pitch advantage in PBKS vs RR?
The offence dominates first innings, while dew aids chasers. Here the first innings average is 212 runs.
In PBKS vs RR, which side is favoured?
PBKS are in dominant form as well on home ground. RR maintains a strong bench to stave off the challenge.
How many times have PBKS and RR played before?
RR leads by 17-13 in 30 matches. But PBKS has won the past two encounters.
