The IPL 2026 playoff race has entered a decisive phase, with only one spot remaining after three teams secured qualification over the past two days. With seven league matches still to be played, five teams — Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals — remain in contention for the final berth.
Sunrisers Hyderabad confirmed their place in the playoffs with a five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings, a result that also ensured Gujarat Titans’ qualification. With two teams advancing from a single outcome, the focus now shifts to the race for the fourth position, where every remaining match carries significant implications.
Rajasthan Royals Hold Advantage
Rajasthan Royals remain in control of their qualification scenario despite three successive defeats. They face Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, both already eliminated, and victories in both fixtures would take them to 16 points, which should be enough to qualify.
A total of 14 points could also suffice for Rajasthan, but that outcome depends on multiple results, including losses for Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, as well as Mumbai Indians defeating Kolkata Knight Riders.
Kolkata Knight Riders Stay in the Hunt
Kolkata Knight Riders have revived their campaign after a difficult start to the season and still have a realistic path to qualification. With remaining matches at home, they can qualify on 15 points if Rajasthan Royals lose one game and Lucknow Super Giants defeat Punjab Kings.
More Read
Even if Punjab Kings win, Kolkata could still progress by maintaining a superior net run rate. There is also a narrow path with 13 points, though that would require several results, including Gujarat Titans beating Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians defeating Rajasthan Royals.
Punjab Kings Face Difficult Route
Punjab Kings have only one league game remaining against Lucknow Super Giants, limiting their maximum points tally to 15. Their qualification hopes rely heavily on other results, as both Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders are capable of reaching similar or higher totals.
They can qualify with 15 points if they defeat Lucknow, Rajasthan lose at least one match, and Kolkata either drop points or fall behind on net run rate. A more complex route exists with 13 points, but it requires multiple favourable outcomes, including defeats for Rajasthan and Chennai Super Kings.
More Read
Chennai Super Kings Need Results to Go Their Way
Chennai Super Kings’ defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad has made their path more complicated, but qualification remains possible. They can reach 14 points if they defeat Gujarat Titans and will then depend on Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders failing to reach that mark.
In such a scenario, net run rate could decide the final playoff position between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, with Chennai currently ahead. Their chances improve if Rajasthan lose both matches, Lucknow defeat Punjab, and Kolkata beat Delhi before losing to Mumbai.
Delhi Capitals Rely on Multiple Outcomes
Delhi Capitals can finish with a maximum of 14 points and must rely on several results to stay in contention. Their qualification depends on defeats for Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
They can secure a place without net run rate becoming decisive if they beat Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow defeat Punjab, both Lucknow and Mumbai overcome Rajasthan, and Gujarat Titans beat Chennai.
With only one playoff spot left and multiple teams still in the race, the final stretch of IPL 2026 promises a tightly contested finish where every result could reshape the standings.
