IPL 2026 playoff race tightens as Rajasthan Royals take control of final berth
With Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad already through, the battle for the fifth and final playoff spot has narrowed to five contenders, with Rajasthan Royals best positioned to secure qualification.
The contest for the final Indian Premier League 2026 playoff position has intensified, with five teams vying for a single remaining berth. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already secured their places, leaving Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings to fight for the last spot. With only seven league matches remaining, every result directly impacts the standings for multiple franchises.
Rajasthan Royals hold the strongest position among the chasing pack, sitting on 12 points from 13 matches with two games left. A victory against Lucknow Super Giants would take them to 14 points, immediately placing pressure on their rivals. However, a second win against Mumbai Indians would lift their tally to 16 points, a score that almost certainly guarantees qualification regardless of other outcomes. Despite this advantage, Rajasthan have lost four of their last five matches, raising concerns about their momentum. Their net run rate of 0.027 offers little cushion if multiple teams finish on 14 points.
Punjab Kings, currently on 13 points from 13 matches, control their own destiny but face a precarious situation. A win against Lucknow Super Giants would take them to 15 points, a tally that could prove sufficient as other contenders cannot exceed that score. However, Punjab Kings are vulnerable if Rajasthan Royals win both their remaining matches. The team has lost five consecutive games and plays after several direct rivals have completed their fixtures, adding to the uncertainty surrounding their campaign.
Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings require victories and favourable results elsewhere to qualify. Kolkata Knight Riders, on 11 points from 12 matches, must win both remaining games against Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to reach 15 points. A single defeat eliminates them. While they have won four of their last five matches, their net run rate of -0.038 means margins will matter if they finish tied with Punjab Kings. Chennai Super Kings face the most improbable path, needing to beat Gujarat Titans to reach 14 points and hoping for multiple other teams to lose their remaining matches.
Delhi Capitals face the toughest challenge, with only one match left against Kolkata Knight Riders. Even a win would take them to 14 points, which is unlikely to be sufficient without significant help. Their net run rate of -0.871 is significantly weaker than all other contenders, placing them at a severe disadvantage in any tie-breaker scenarios. Despite their own slim chances, Delhi Capitals hold a pivotal role in the race, as a victory could eliminate Kolkata Knight Riders and alter the qualification landscape for Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
