Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a 23-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2026 encounter at Dharamsala on Sunday, and the defending champions did it in style—first with a commanding total of 222/4 and then with a disciplined bowling effort when it mattered most. Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma singled out Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood for turning the game in RCB’s favour, while also stressing the team’s calm, match-by-match mindset as RCB became the first side to book a place in the playoffs.
Key takeaways
- RCB reached the playoffs first in IPL 2026 after beating PBKS by 23 runs at Dharamsala.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early, dismissing Priyansh Arya (0) and Prabhsimran Singh (2) to put PBKS on the back foot.
- Josh Hazlewood broke a key 67-run partnership between Marcus Stoinis (37) and Shashank Singh (56).
- RCB’s batters set up the win with 222/4, led by Virat Kohli’s 58 and Venkatesh Iyer’s unbeaten 73 off 40.
- PBKS were kept under control in the final overs, with Rasikh Salam Dar taking two wickets while conceding just nine runs in the last.
Jitesh Sharma’s praise and RCB’s approach
After the match, Jitesh Sharma—leading the side in place of the regular skipper—lauded the senior experience of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. He said RCB feels fortunate to have such seasoned campaigners in the squad, adding that their guidance and know-how help the leadership group in the dugout.
Jitesh also highlighted that RCB’s plan has been straightforward: take one game at a time and back it with consistent execution. He noted that the team did not feel flustered during either phase—batting or bowling—especially while defending a target and during the pressure moments that typically define T20 finishes.
In his assessment, Jitesh pointed to strong communication among the batters regarding pitch conditions. He further explained that RCB prepared specific strategies for each opposing batter and managed to carry those plans through effectively on the day.
“We are privileged to have them (Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood) at RCB and I have experienced guys who help me as a captain. Our motto is simple: one game at a time. We just want to do well in every match,” Jitesh said.
He added: “I think we were in control, with the batting and bowling. (On the total) We were not under pressure. We were in control. We knew what to do, and batters gave good feedback on what’s working on the wicket. We planned for each batsman and executed those plans,” according to his match reflections.
RCB’s 222/4 and the bowling turnaround
Batting first, RCB posted a substantial 222/4, powered by impactful knocks from Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. Kohli struck 58 and extended his remarkable IPL season tally, registering his ninth 500-plus runs campaign in the league. Venkatesh, in the other anchor role, stayed unbeaten on 73 off 40 balls, giving RCB late momentum. Devdutt Padikkal contributed 45, while Tim David added 28 as the defending champions built a total that set a difficult chase.
In response, PBKS got off to a rough start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced the early damage, dismissing Priyansh Arya for 0 and Prabhsimran Singh for 2 in quick succession. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer also fell early, and the chase threatened to unravel completely before PBKS found a fight.
Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh and Suryansh Shedge tried to revive the innings with aggressive batting, but RCB’s bowlers managed to regain control during the critical phase. Hazlewood’s key breakthrough arrived when he ended a dangerous 67-run partnership between Stoinis (37) and Shashank Singh (56), removing the momentum PBKS had managed to build.
Hazlewood then delivered an economical penultimate over, finishing with figures of 1/36 in his four overs. With the chase narrowing, Rasikh Salam Dar sealed the contest in the final over, taking two wickets—Shashank Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai—while conceding only nine runs, ensuring PBKS fell short despite the late push.
Playoff picture updates
With the win, RCB moved to 18 points and confirmed their place in the playoffs. For PBKS, the result left them needing to regroup quickly, with their qualification hopes now tied to getting a win in their next fixture against Lucknow Super Giants—a must-win scenario to keep their campaign alive.
