DHARAMSALA, India (AP) — Venkatesh Iyer was 73 not out off 40 balls and Virat Kohli hit a 37-ball 58 as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 23 runs to advance to the knockout stage of the Indian Premier League on Sunday.

IPL 2026, PBKS vs RCB: Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, May 17 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala and are now in serious trouble as far as qualifying for the playoffs is concerned.

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,

Punjab Kings, desperate to snap their losing streak, will take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial reverse fixture of IPL 2026. For the hosts, it’s a do-or-die battle, while the visitors aim to extend their momentum in the league stage.

Punjab Kings are on the brink of being eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoffs race. Punjab have endured a difficult time on and off the field, resulting in a horror performance in the second half this season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru put forth a brilliant showing against Punjab Kings in the 61st game of the ongoing IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026, postoing a total of 222 runs in the first innings, Punjab Kings entered an unwanted list.

England all-rounder Will Jacks and India's Tilak Varma led Mumbai Indians to a last gasp victory over Punjab Kings by chasing 201 with a ball to spare in Dharamshala. Mumbai needed 50 from the last three overs but Jacks hit two sixes and two fours while Varma finished 75 not out from 33 balls.

Ravichandran Ashwin questions Punjab Kings' decision to split home matches across two venues in IPL 2026, suggesting the venue changes disrupted their rhythm and contributed to a five-match losing streak.