Punjab Kings secure top-four finish as IPL 2026 playoff picture crystallises
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified, leaving Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders to battle for the final berth.
Punjab Kings have solidified their position in the IPL 2026 top four, moving into fourth place on the points table following a decisive victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Match 68. The win ended a six-match losing streak for the franchise, driven by a maiden IPL century from captain Shreyas Iyer. The result leaves Punjab Kings on 15 points from 14 matches, keeping their playoff aspirations alive as the league stage approaches its conclusion.
At the summit of the standings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured the top spot despite suffering a heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB finished the league phase with 18 points from 14 matches, recording nine wins and five losses. Their position at number one is secured by a net run rate of +0.783, which places them ahead of Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, both of whom also finished with 18 points and identical win-loss records.
Gujarat Titans occupy second place with a net run rate of +0.695, while Sunrisers Hyderabad sit third with a net run rate of +0.524. All three teams have now mathematically qualified for the playoffs, leaving the final qualifying spot to be determined by the remaining teams. Punjab Kings, with a net run rate of +0.309, currently hold the fourth position but face pressure from the teams trailing closely behind.
Rajasthan Royals remain in contention for the final playoff spot, sitting fifth on 14 points from 13 matches. With seven wins and six losses, the Royals carry a net run rate of +0.083 into their final league game. Kolkata Knight Riders are also still in the race, positioned sixth with 13 points from 13 matches. Having won six, lost six, and had one no result, KKR’s net run rate of +0.011 keeps them mathematically alive in the playoff hunt.
The lower half of the table confirms the elimination of several established franchises. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals are eliminated with 12 points each, while five-time champions Mumbai Indians sit ninth with eight points. Lucknow Super Giants, who lost to Punjab Kings, finish at the bottom of the table with eight points from 14 matches and a net run rate of -0.740.
