IPL 2026: Padikkal backs RCB bowlers to defend 222/4 vs PBKS in Dharamshala
Synopsis
RCB posted 222/4 against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala — powered by Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 73, Kohli's 58, and Padikkal's 45 — and Padikkal is backing a slow surface to do the bowlers' work. On a pitch that gripped even in the first innings, 223 is no routine chase.
Key Takeaways
RCB posted 222/4 against Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at Dharamshala on 17 May .
Devdutt Padikkal scored 45 off 25 balls and expressed confidence in RCB's bowling attack to defend the total.
Virat Kohli contributed 58 runs; he and Padikkal added 76 for the second wicket after Jacob Bethell's early exit.
Venkatesh Iyer remained unbeaten on 73 , with Tim David adding a late cameo to push RCB past 220.
Padikkal flagged the Dharamshala pitch as 'a bit slow,' suggesting conditions will assist RCB's bowlers in the second innings.
Punjab Kings face a target of 223 runs.
Devdutt Padikkal expressed firm confidence in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) bowling attack after the side posted a commanding 222/4 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2026 fixture at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday, 17 May. The left-hander, who contributed a brisk 45 off 25 balls, said the total was competitive but acknowledged that disciplined bowling would be the key to a victory.
Padikkal on the Target
Speaking during the mid-innings break, Padikkal was measured but optimistic. 'I think it's a pretty good total, but again, like any other game, we have to bowl well and make sure that we restrict them under that,' he said. The batter stressed that execution, rather than the scoreboard alone, would determine the outcome on a surface that played slower than expected under afternoon conditions.
The Dharamshala Pitch Factor
Padikkal flagged the nature of the Dharamshala wicket as a factor that could work in RCB's favour in the second innings. 'It is a little bit slow, especially with the new ball. It wasn't coming on as well, but I think it's important that we make use of that and make sure that our bowlers know that as well,' he noted. He added that RCB's experienced bowling unit would not need extensive guidance to adapt — 'They don't need too much information from me. I think they know what to do.'
Key Partnerships That Built the Total
RCB's innings required early steadying after the dismissal of Jacob Bethell in the Power-play. Padikkal and Virat Kohli then added 76 runs for the second wicket to stabilise the chase. Kohli went on to score 58, while Padikkal narrowly missed his half-century but kept the scoring rate aggressive through the middle overs. 'When I go into the power play, it's important that I make sure that I stitch a partnership with Virat, or Jacob, who wasn't there, and really push that momentum and take it forward for the team,' Padikkal explained.
Venkatesh Iyer and Tim David Seal the Total
RCB's push past the 220-run mark was powered by an unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer and a late cameo from Tim David, leaving Punjab Kings with a demanding target of 223. This is a total that, on a slow Dharamshala surface, will test PBKS's batting depth and intent from the first ball. Notably, scores above 200 at this venue have historically proven difficult to chase in day fixtures.
What to Watch in the Second Innings
With the pitch expected to offer grip for RCB's bowlers, the Power-play phase of PBKS's chase will be crucial. If RCB can restrict Punjab Kings to a modest start, the asking rate will compound quickly on a surface that Padikkal himself described as 'a bit slow.' The match represents a significant fixture in the IPL 2026 standings for both sides.
Point of View
But Padikkal's post-innings remarks reveal a tactical awareness that goes beyond the scorecard — he is essentially signalling to his bowlers that the pitch is an ally. The real question is whether RCB's attack, which has been inconsistent this season, can translate a competitive total into a result on a surface that may quicken under lights. Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 73 is the innings that truly changed the game's shape; without it, a total in the 180s would have left RCB far more vulnerable. PBKS, chasing 223, will need an exceptional Power-play to keep the asking rate manageable.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What score did RCB post against Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 at Dharamshala?
RCB posted 222/4 against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on 17 May 2026. Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 73 and Virat Kohli's 58 were the standout contributions.
How did Devdutt Padikkal perform in the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2026 match?
Devdutt Padikkal scored 45 off 25 deliveries and added a crucial 76-run second-wicket partnership with Virat Kohli after Jacob Bethell's early dismissal. He narrowly missed his half-century but maintained an aggressive scoring rate through the middle overs.
What did Padikkal say about the Dharamshala pitch?
Padikkal described the Dharamshala surface as 'a bit slow,' particularly with the new ball. He said RCB's bowlers would benefit from the conditions in the second innings and that they had the skill to adapt without needing extensive guidance.
Who were the top scorers for RCB against Punjab Kings?
Venkatesh Iyer top-scored with an unbeaten 73, while Virat Kohli contributed 58 and Devdutt Padikkal made 45 off 25 balls. Tim David also added a late cameo to help RCB cross the 220-run mark.
What target are Punjab Kings chasing in the IPL 2026 Dharamshala match?
Punjab Kings are chasing a target of 223 runs against RCB at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. On a slow pitch, the total is considered challenging, particularly in a day game.
