IPL 2026: Punjab Kings' strongest predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match No. 40 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on April 28 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.

PBKS have been in impressive form this season, sitting comfortably on the points table with six wins from seven matches. Their chasing prowess has stood out, making them a formidable unit in pressure situations. They will look to maintain this momentum and strengthen their chances of securing a playoff berth.

Here is Punjab Kings' strongest predicted XI vs Rajasthan Royals:

Top Order: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly

Punjab Kings’ strong form has largely been driven by their explosive top order. Prabhsimran Singh has been outstanding, scoring 287 runs in six innings at an impressive strike rate of 192.61. His opening partner Priyansh Arya has been even more aggressive, amassing 254 runs in six matches at a staggering strike rate of 249.01.

At No. 3, Cooper Connolly has added stability and firepower. He played a crucial role in the game against LSG, stitching a dominant partnership with Arya. Overall, he has scored 240 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 164.38.

Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer (Ct), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Nehal Wadhera (IMP)

The middle order revolves heavily around Shreyas Iyer, who has been in excellent form with 279 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 186.00. However, the rest of the unit has yet to consistently deliver.

Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera are still searching for their best form this season. Marcus Stoinis has struggled to make a significant impact with both bat and ball. Marco Jansen, while contributing with the ball, has picked up five wickets so far but hasn’t made notable contributions with the bat.

Bowlers: X

avier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

The bowling unit has shown promise but still has room for improvement. Xavier Bartlett has taken five wickets, while Vijaykumar Vyshak has been slightly more effective with six wickets.

Arshdeep Singh has led the pace attack well with seven wickets. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal has picked up four wickets but is yet to hit top form and dominate as expected.

PBKS predicted XI against RR for match 40:

Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (Ct), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player: Nehal Wadhera