IPL 2026 Playoffs: The playoff race for IPL 2026 is intensifying, with seven teams vying for three spots as the group stage nears completion. Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched the first playoff berth after defeating Punjab Kings, while Delhi Capitals' win against Rajasthan Royals complicated the battle for the top positions. Seven teams remain in contention for three playoff spots.
Although the Rajat Patidar-led team has secured a playoff berth, only two teams have been eliminated so far: the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow Super Giants. Explore the qualification scenarios for the remaining seven contenders:
Gujarat Titans: Winning just one of their last two matches ensures qualification, and they can challenge Bengaluru for a top-two finish. Even losing both games may still secure qualification on points and NRR, unless major shifts occur among trailing teams.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad: Their fate rests with their performance. Winning both remaining matches secures 18 points, guaranteeing playoff qualification and a shot at a top-two finish. One win yields 16 points, opening doors for lower-ranked teams due to Sunrisers Hyderabad's strong NRR.
Punjab Kings: The loss to RCB limits them to a maximum of 15 points if they win their final match against Delhi Capitals. They must win to stay in contention, then hope CSK, RR, and KKR do not surpass 14 points with high NRRs. Pat Cummins' team will likely rank above PBKS, while the Delhi Capitals can reach 14 points. This is only relevant if Shreyas Iyer's side doesn’t finish with 15 points.
Rajasthan Royals: After losing four of five recent matches, the Riyan Parag-led team faces significant trouble. Their outcome depends on winning their last two matches, which would secure 16 points and put them ahead of PBKS, RR, and DC. A single win forces an NRR battle with CSK and DC, unless Shreyas Iyer's team reaches 15 points.
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Chennai Super Kings: Following their loss to Lucknow Super Giants, CSK must win both remaining matches to reach 16 points. A single win means relying on RR, KKR, and PBKS not exceeding 14 points, and maintaining a superior NRR.
Delhi Capitals: Their victory keeps them in playoff contention, but they can only finish with 14 points. To qualify, they need a large-margin win in the last match and hope CSK, PBKS, and RR lose remaining games, and Ajinkya Rahane’s team wins no more than one. Their NRR (-0.871) requires a decisive win or loss among others.
Kolkata Knight Riders: After six consecutive losses, they rebounded and remain in playoff contention. They must win their final two games and hope fewer than two teams finish with 16 points.