IPL 2026: PBKS vs RR, Match 40 - Top player battles to watch out for

Published - 27 Apr 2026, 11:58 IST | Updated - 27 Apr 2026, 13:09 IST

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been two of the better teams so far in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. They will go head-to-head on Tuesday, April 28, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings have been led superbly by Shreyas Iyer. Last year, they finished second, but in IPL 2026, they are the team to beat. The Kings have won six out of the seven games they have played so far. One of their games against the Kolkata Knight Riders earlier in the season was washed out.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals had a memorable start to the campaign, winning four games in a row. However, in their last four matches, they have won just one and lost three. In their most recent clash, Rajasthan lost to the Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets.

Shreyas Iyer played a match-winning knock of 71* off 36 balls against the Delhi Capitals in the last game, helping them register the world record for chasing the highest total in T20I cricket. On Saturday, the Kings defeated the Delhi Capitals by six wickets, chasing down 265 runs. In six innings, Shreyas has scored 279 at an average of 69.75 and a strike rate of 186.

Ravi Bishnoi failed to make a mark while playing for LSG last year. However, this season, he has made the ball do the talking. In eight matches, he has 11 wickets at an average of 20.82. His contest through the middle overs against Shreyas Iyer would be intriguing to watch.