Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 23 runs in match number 61. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on 17th May at HPCA Stadium. With this win, the defending champions became the first team to officially qualify for the playoffs. RCB now top the points table with nine wins from 13 matches and have emerged as one of the strongest title contenders this season.
With Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) already out of the tournament, only three playoff spots are available. Seven teams are still in the competition, making the race for the knockout stage extremely competitive as the tournament draws to a close in the 19th edition of the IPL.
RCB made a strong start to their campaign with consecutive wins before suffering their first defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR). They responded brilliantly with wins over MI and LSG but later lost to Delhi Capitals (DC). The Bengaluru franchise found momentum by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) and DC before suffering defeats against GT and LSG once again.
However, RCB secured a place in the playoffs by winning three consecutive matches against MI, Kolkata Knight Riders and PBKS in the crucial phase of the season. They now have one league stage match remaining against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
RCB will aim to finish on top of the table, which will guarantee them a place in Qualifier 1. Victory in that match will grant direct entry to the IPL 2026 final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31.
Star batsman Virat Kohli has been the backbone of RCB's batting lineup with 542 runs in 13 matches. In the bowling department, experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has led from the front and currently holds the Purple Cap with 24 wickets in 13 matches.
The Bengaluru-based franchise will now successfully defend their crown and become the third team in IPL history to retain the title, while also lifting their second IPL trophy.
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