The IPL 2026 calendar heats up with match 40 between table-toppers Punjab Kings and beleaguered Rajasthan Royals at Mullanpur. Punjab enters as favorites, eager to cement their lead, while RR seeks a turnaround to climb the ladder.
Dominating the early phase, Punjab has won six of seven games, showcasing superior chasing prowess and collective batting firepower. Their top order, led by openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, has been relentless, consistently dominating powerplays and setting up comfortable victories.
Contrast this with Rajasthan’s woes. After losses mounted, particularly against Hyderabad, they’ve slipped ranks. Middle-over collapses have been their Achilles’ heel, turning potential wins into defeats despite promising starts from stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Historically, Royals lead with 17 triumphs in 30 meetings, but Punjab’s current momentum shifts the narrative. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has instilled belief, with all-rounders like Stoinis and bowlers Chahal and Jansen forming a formidable unit.
RR’s Riyan Parag will rely on Jadeja’s spin, Archer’s pace, and Hetmyer’s finishing to spark a revival. Key battles include Punjab’s openers vs RR’s new-ball attack and Chahal’s duel with Jaiswal. Expect a tactical chess match with playoffs implications hanging in the balance.
