Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be the finalists of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were eliminated from the playoffs race.

RCB's performance in IPL 2026

RCB pulled off one of the most dramatic wins in IPL history when they defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets in a thrilling last-ball finish. It was MI’s eighth defeat in 11 matches, ending their hopes of making the playoffs. The victory also pushed RCB to the top of the points table with seven wins from 11 games.

RCB's Qualification Scenario

The Bengaluru-based franchise needs to win just one match out of their upcoming three matches to seal a spot for the playoffs. 

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PBKS Performance in IPL 2026

Punjab Kings, meanwhile, started the season in brilliant form and remained unbeaten in their first seven matches. However, they have now lost three games in a row and are looking to bounce back. Even so, with 13 points already in hand, PBKS are still strongly placed in the playoff race and currently sit fourth on the table. Speaking on JioStar, Gavaskar said he still sees Punjab and RCB as the strongest teams this season.

PBKS Playoffs qualification scenario

Punjab Kings need to win two games out of their final four matches to seal a spot in IPL 2026 playoffs. They are currently holding 13 points from 10 games.

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“I would still back Punjab Kings. Sometimes, a couple of defeats can actually help a team refocus and avoid becoming overconfident. Delhi Capitals have lost matches they should have won, and that has hurt them this season. Punjab know how important this stage of the tournament is, and they won’t want another loss to affect their confidence. I still believe Punjab Kings and RCB will play the final,” Gavaskar said.

Why MI failed to perform in IPL 2026?

After Mumbai Indians (MI) were officially knocked out, Gavaskar also shared his thoughts on how the five-time champions should approach the rest of their season. He suggested it could be the right time to test some younger players.

“In T20 cricket, ups and downs are normal. Once the season ends, teams can properly analyse what went wrong. But right now, I think the senior players have done everything they could. This could be a good chance to give young players opportunities in the remaining games. It will help the franchise see how these youngsters perform under pressure and whether they are ready for bigger roles in the future,” he added.

Punjab Kings are now set to face Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala at the scenic HPCA Stadium on Monday evening.