Punjab Kings face Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 Match 65 (Group A) at IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, on Saturday, 16 May 2026, starting at 19:30 IST (UTC+5:30). The venue holds 26,000 spectators. Punjab Kings are yet to win the IPL title. Rajasthan Royals are one-time IPL champions (2008). Shreyas Iyer captains Punjab Kings and Sanju Samson leads Rajasthan Royals.

IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali has a fast outfield and good bounce that suits pace bowlers in the early overs before the ball softens. One of the more compact IPL venues at 26,000 capacity, the tight ground creates an intimate atmosphere and the fast pitch suits the explosive batting that both sides bring.

Rajasthan Royals under Sanju Samson play a brand of attacking cricket built around positivity from ball one. Their record in away matches where they are freed from tactical conservatism has been impressive throughout the IPL era.

Match times by timezone

IPL 2026 Match 65 starts at 19:30 IST (UTC+5:30) in Mohali. Fans in India and across the subcontinent watch during prime time. UK viewers tune in at 2:00 PM GMT (UTC+0) in London. Australian fans in Sydney and Melbourne follow the action at 12:00 AM AEST (UTC+10). US East Coast viewers can watch from 10:00 AM EDT (UTC-4) in New York. For the exact current local time in India, check India time and Mohali time.

With the IPL group stage delivering only four playoff spots from ten teams, every match in the second half of the season carries maximum stakes. A two-point win not only improves a franchise’s position in the table but also strengthens their net run rate, which can be the deciding factor when two sides finish level on points. Both Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals will approach this fixture with full intent, knowing that the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit can come down to a single result.