Venkatesh Iyer

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a dominant 23-run victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Virat Kohli's energetic performance, coupled with crucial knocks from Devdutt Padikkal and Venkatesh Iyer, propelled RCB to a commanding total. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's early wickets stifled Punjab's chase, highlighting RCB's championship mettle.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to battle for the top two spots in the playoffs. Hyderabad, currently third, aims to avenge their season opener loss and finish strong. RCB, leading the table, seeks to secure the top position with a win. Both teams boast formidable batting lineups, promising an exciting encounter.

On the field, RCB secured a playoff spot with a 23-run win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.

IPL 2026 has witnessed an unprecedented batting surge, with 53 scores exceeding 200, shattering previous records. This trend highlights a dramatic evolution in T20 cricket, where aggressive play from the outset and powerful hitting by all batsmen have redefined what constitutes a formidable total. Even scores above 220 are no longer a guaranteed victory, as chases are becoming increasingly common.

Punjab Kings endured another bowling collapse, conceding 222 to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, setting unwanted T20 records. The team now holds the record for most 200-plus totals conceded in men's T20 cricket history, and captain Shreyas Iyer also set a new captaincy record for such instances. This latest defeat further jeopardizes their playoff hopes.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Jitesh Sharma will lead the side in Patidar's absence, who missed travel and practice due to an undisclosed reason. Patidar is expected to return for RCB's final league game.

Punjab Kings suffered their sixth consecutive loss in IPL 2026 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This defeat has severely impacted their playoff chances. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a strong performance. Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the match was lost early in the powerplay. The team's confidence appears shaken as their early season dominance has vanished.

Punjab Kings opted to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala, with Jitesh Sharma captaining RCB in Rajat Patidar's absence. Shreyas Iyer marked his 100th captaincy game for PBKS. Both teams made changes, aiming for crucial playoff implications. RCB seeks to secure a playoff spot, while PBKS desperately needs a win to revive their qualification hopes.

Starts June 3. Matches scheduled at Holkar Stadium, Daly College Cricket Ground

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, with Jitesh Sharma leading the side. Patidar is recovering well and is expected to return for the next match in Hyderabad. RCB currently sits atop the IPL 2026 points table.

Punjab Kings face immense pressure after five consecutive IPL 2026 defeats, jeopardizing their playoff hopes. Despite a strong start, the team has lost momentum, with their batting prowess now overshadowed by fielding and bowling weaknesses. They now face a confident Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial must-win encounter.

Kolkata Knight Riders made a surprise switch, bringing in left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey for the injured Varun Chakravarthy in a crucial IPL 2026 match against RCB. Dubey, a domestic player for Vidarbha, gets his long-awaited IPL debut after previously being part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad without playing. This unexpected inclusion highlights KKR's strategic move under pressure.

Kolkata Knight Riders face a significant blow as star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is ruled out of their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to an injury sustained in the previous match. Uncapped pacer Saurabh Dubey makes his IPL debut as KKR navigates this crucial encounter without their key bowler, who has been instrumental in their recent resurgence.

Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls to help Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in IPL 2026. The knock made Allen the first New Zealand batter to score three T20 centuries in a calendar year. KKR’s bowlers, led by Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy, earlier restricted DC to 142/8.

Finn Allen's maiden IPL century, a blistering 100 off 47 balls, powered Kolkata Knight Riders to victory against Delhi Capitals. His unbeaten knock, featuring 10 sixes, saw him join KKR's elite century-makers. Allen emphasized responsible batting after early wickets, acknowledging the challenging pitch and Axar Patel's bowling.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru aims to solidify their top-two spot against a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB, despite recent wins, faces batting concerns with key players struggling. KKR, on a four-match winning streak, is finding form, though spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's injury is a worry. Finn Allen's century highlights KKR's batting resurgence.

In the first five matches, RCB batters from No. 4 to No. 8 averaged 39.30 and scored at a strike rate of 190.77, both the best among all teams. They scored two fifties while hitting 23 fours and 33 sixes. But in the next five matches, the numbers dropped sharply. The average fell to 21, the worst among all teams in that period, while the strike rate dropped to 148.58.