Published on: Apr 27, 2026 7:30 pm IST | Updated on: Apr 27, 2026 12:25 pm IST
The team that every other team fears to lock horns with is all set to host the Tata IPL 2026 match 40. We are talking about the table toppers and undefeated Punjab Kings, who are all set to play hosts to the inaugural champions, the Rajasthan Royals. The Punjab Kings are playing cricket levels above the rest of the teams this season. They seem like a team craving glory who are set to take on anyone and everyone coming their way. The Royals won’t be any different for PBKS, as they will look to hunt them down and move one step closer to securing a playoff berth. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), PBKS vs SRH, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
The undefeated Punjab Kings have been playing dominant cricket this season. They should start as the outright favorites in this game. The only thing that could unsettle PBKS is the RR’s opening duo of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The left-hand duo has been doing the bulk of scoring in every game for RR, and will be a fearsome duo for the opposition. However, despite the threat, the way PBKS defeated DC in their previous game by chasing a record IPL total makes them the extreme favorite in this game. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), PBKS vs SRH, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
PBKS: 66% win chance RR: 34% win chance
The Punjab skipper has led the side from the front with the bat, scoring 279 runs from 6 innings at a fabulous strike rate of 186. He will be a key bet in the middle-order.
After his pyrotechnics in the game against Delhi Capitals, Prabhsimran is so far the leading run-getter for PBKS this season with 287 runs from 6 innings at a whirlwind strike-rate of 192.61.
The 15-year-old has been in the form of his life. Vaibhav has been the star RR has put their money on. The southpaw has 357 runs to his name from just 8 innings at a massive strike-rate of 234.86. He will be the biggest scalp for the opposition.
The Royals' wicket-keeper has been doing his work quietly at no. 3. Dhruv has so far amassed 232 runs from 8 innings this season with 3 half-centuries. He will be a vital cog at no. 3 for the Royals.
Check out our prediction for the PBKS vs RR Indian Premier League 2026 match 40.
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have emerged as the team every opponent fears in IPL 2026, and their dominance shows no signs of slowing down. As table‑toppers and the only undefeated side this season, PBKS are set to host the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match 40 at Mullanpur.
Punjab’s performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, combining fearless batting with disciplined bowling. Their latest triumph, a record‑breaking chase of 264 runs against Delhi Capitals in just 18.3 overs, underlined their unmatched firepower. With five wickets to spare, PBKS showcased depth, confidence, and an insatiable hunger for glory.
The Royals, inaugural champions, face a daunting challenge against a side that seems to be operating at a level above the rest. Punjab’s balance across departments, coupled with their momentum, makes them the most formidable outfit this season. Heading into this clash, PBKS will look to extend their unbeaten streak and further cement their reputation as the team to beat in IPL 2026.
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) face a daunting challenge as they prepare to lock horns with the undefeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026 match 40. Punjab have been unstoppable this season, sitting comfortably at the top of the table after producing dominant performances across departments.
For RR, the only source of motivation lies in their recent head‑to‑head record, having won three of their last five encounters against PBKS. Currently placed fourth with five wins and three losses from eight matches, the Royals have shown flashes of brilliance but remain inconsistent. Their batting unit, led by dynamic openers, has the firepower to test Punjab’s bowlers, while their spinners could play a crucial role on the Mullanpur surface.
However, stopping Punjab’s juggernaut will require near‑perfect execution. PBKS are brimming with confidence after their record chase of 264 against Delhi Capitals, and their balance makes them the most feared side this season. For RR, this contest is not just about points; it’s about proving they can halt the most dominant team in IPL 2026. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 30 PBKS won: 13 RR won: 17 No Result: 0
In overall head-to-head battles between the Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, a total of 30 matches have been played, wherein RR has dominated with 17 wins, whereas PBKS has won 13 fixtures.
How will the two teams, i.e., the Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, fare in the 40th match of IPL 2026? Let’s take a look.
Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar/Yash Thakur IMPACT SUB: Yuzvendra Chahal
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi IMPACT SUB: Sandeep Sharma
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 40th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
At Mullanpur, the surface favors stroke play early, but dew becomes decisive later. Captains will weigh batting first to post 170+, yet chasing under lights remains the safer bet. Expect the toss winner to opt for bowling first, aiming to exploit dew and control the second innings.
The online live streaming of the 40th IPL 2026 match between the Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals will take place live on the JioHotstar App. TV viewers can watch the match live on the Star Sports 1, 2, and 3 HD and non-HD channels.
The undefeated table-toppers, Punjab Kings, have been unstoppable this season. With 6 wins and a no-result fixture after playing 7 games this season, they are storming to the playoffs. The team has been dominant throughout the season and will look to deliver one more sucker punch to their next opponent; in this instance, it’s the Rajasthan Royals. So, expect the Kings to head into this fixture with their tails up. So, as per our prediction, Punjab Kings are expected to win the IPL 2026 Match 40, PBKS vs RR.
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