The Indian Premier League 2026 continues with Match 40 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). This rivalry has produced many high-scoring and closely fought matches over the years.
The match will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. PBKS come into this game as one of the strongest teams this season, while RR are looking to bounce back after mixed results in recent matches.
Both teams have attacking batting lineups, and with the venue known for big scores, this clash is expected to be another thrilling contest.
Match Details
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Indian Premier League 2026 |
| Match Number | Match 40 |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur |
| Date | April 28, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
PBKS vs RR Head to Head Record in IPL
Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have faced each other regularly since the start of IPL. RR have a slight advantage in this rivalry.
| Teams | Matches | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 30 | 13 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 30 | 17 |
Key Head-to-Head Records
| Category | PBKS | RR |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 30 | 30 |
| Wins | 13 | 17 |
| Losses | 17 | 13 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 223 | 226 |
| Lowest Score | 124 | 112 |
This record shows that RR have been slightly more successful overall, but the rivalry remains competitive.
PBKS vs RR Recent Head-to-Head Trend
Recent matches between these teams have been close and often high-scoring. Both sides have shared wins in the last few seasons.
Last Few Results Between PBKS and RR
| Season | Result |
|---|---|
| 2025 | PBKS won by 10 runs |
| 2025 | RR won by 50 runs |
| 2024 | RR won by 3 wickets |
| 2024 | PBKS won by 5 wickets |
| 2023 | RR won by 4 wickets |
| 2023 | PBKS won by 5 runs |
The results show that momentum has shifted between both teams, making every match unpredictable.
PBKS vs RR Head to Head at Mullanpur Stadium
Mullanpur is a relatively new venue, and only a few matches have been played here between these teams.
PBKS vs RR at Mullanpur Stadium
| Matches | PBKS Wins | RR Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 2 |
Match Results at Mullanpur
| Year | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | RR won by 3 wickets |
| 2025 | Rajasthan Royals | RR won by 50 runs |
RR have a perfect record at this venue against PBKS so far.
Mullanpur Stadium IPL Overall Match Record
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium has quickly become a high-scoring venue in IPL.
| Matches | Won Batting First | Won Chasing |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Matches | 1 | 2 |
Venue Batting Statistics
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | 190–210 |
| Highest Total | 223/4 |
| Highest Chase | 223/4 |
| Lowest Defended | 111 |
| Run Rate | Around 9+ |
These numbers highlight that the pitch supports aggressive batting and quick scoring.
Pitch Report – Mullanpur Stadium
The Mullanpur pitch is known for its batting-friendly nature with good bounce.
Pitch Characteristics
- True bounce helps batters play freely
- Fast bowlers get early assistance with pace
- Spinners depend on variations rather than turn
- Dew plays a big role in the second innings
Average Score
| Innings | Average Score |
|---|---|
| First Innings | Around 190–210 |
Scores above 200 are common at this venue, making it a high-scoring ground.
Key Storylines in PBKS vs RR Clash
Punjab Kings’ Strong Form
PBKS are one of the best-performing teams this season. They have shown strong chasing ability, including a record-breaking run chase in their last match.
Rajasthan Royals’ Mixed Form
RR started the season strongly but have lost momentum in recent games. They will aim to bounce back with a strong performance.
Venue Factor
Even though PBKS are playing at home, RR have already won both matches played at Mullanpur against them, which adds extra pressure on PBKS.
Key Players to Watch
Punjab Kings
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Shreyas Iyer
- Arshdeep Singh
Rajasthan Royals
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Jofra Archer
These players are in good form and can change the game at any moment.
What Makes This Rivalry Special
PBKS vs RR matches are usually filled with big scores, close finishes, and strong individual performances. Both teams rely on aggressive batting, which makes their clashes exciting for fans.
Even though RR lead the overall head-to-head record, PBKS have improved in recent seasons, making this rivalry more balanced.
FAQs
How many matches have PBKS and RR played in IPL?
They have played 30 matches in IPL history.
Who has won more matches between PBKS and RR?
Rajasthan Royals have won 17 matches, while Punjab Kings have won 13.
What is PBKS vs RR record at Mullanpur Stadium?
RR have won both matches played at Mullanpur against PBKS.
Is Mullanpur a high-scoring ground?
Yes, it is a batting-friendly venue with average scores around 190–210.
Who is in better form before this match?
Punjab Kings are in better form, while Rajasthan Royals are looking to regain consistency.
Conclusion
The PBKS vs RR rivalry remains exciting with close contests and high-scoring games. Rajasthan Royals have the upper hand in overall record and have also dominated at Mullanpur Stadium so far.
However, Punjab Kings are in strong form this season and will be eager to improve their record at home. With a batting-friendly pitch and quality players on both sides, this match promises to be another thrilling IPL encounter.
