The IPL 2026 playoff race is entering a thrilling phase, and after 59 league matches, not a single team has officially secured qualification yet. However, that situation could soon change as Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru move closer to confirming their spots in the knockout stage.
With Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants already eliminated from the competition, the battle for the remaining playoff positions has become even more intense.
Fans following the latest qualification scenarios and points table updates can also stay updated through platforms like Live Cricket Score during the final phase of the tournament.
IPL 2026 Points Table Overview
| Team | Matches | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 12 | 16 | +1.053 |
| GT | 12 | 16 | +0.551 |
| SRH | 12 | 14 | +0.331 |
| PBKS | 12 | 13 | +0.355 |
| RR | 11 | 12 | +0.082 |
| CSK | 12 | 12 | +0.027 |
| DC | 12 | 10 | -0.993 |
| KKR | 11 | 9 | -0.198 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Close to Playoffs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are now just one victory away from officially booking a playoff berth after an impressive campaign.
Their dominant win against Kolkata Knight Riders strengthened both their points tally and net run-rate. RCB have been especially strong in home conditions, winning six of their seven home fixtures this season.
Their remaining matches are:
- Punjab Kings (Away)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (Away)
A win in either game would likely confirm qualification with 18 points. If Bengaluru manage to win both matches and reach 20 points, they would almost certainly secure a top-two finish.
RCB’s massive net run-rate advantage could also prove crucial if multiple teams finish level on points.
However, losing both matches would still leave them vulnerable depending on how other results unfold.
Gujarat Titans in Excellent Position
Gujarat Titans have quietly become one of the strongest teams in IPL 2026.
The Titans are currently riding a five-match winning streak and could become the first team to officially qualify for the playoffs if they defeat KKR.
GT still have two matches remaining:
- Kolkata Knight Riders (Away)
- Chennai Super Kings (Home)
Another victory would take them to 18 points and put them in an extremely strong position. Winning both fixtures would secure a top-two finish.
Their excellent balance between batting and bowling has made them one of the most consistent teams this season, and their strong head-to-head record against KKR also boosts confidence ahead of the upcoming clash.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Still in Control
Sunrisers Hyderabad remain firmly in the qualification race with 14 points.
Their remaining fixtures are:
- Chennai Super Kings (Away)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Home)
Winning both games guarantees a playoff spot. Even a single victory could still be enough if other results work in their favour.
The match against Chennai could become especially important because it directly affects another playoff contender. SRH’s healthy net run-rate also gives them some breathing room compared to teams lower down the table.
Punjab Kings Need a Strong Finish
Punjab Kings have experienced a dramatic dip in form after a brilliant start to the campaign.
Following five straight defeats, PBKS now face serious pressure in their final matches:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Lucknow Super Giants
Despite the poor run, qualification remains possible. Winning both games would take Punjab to 17 points, which should be enough to secure a playoff spot.
However, another defeat could make their qualification hopes heavily dependent on other results.
Rajasthan Royals Still Have a Good Opportunity
Rajasthan Royals remain very much alive in the playoff race despite dropping outside the top four.
Their remaining fixtures are against:
- Delhi Capitals
- Lucknow Super Giants
- Mumbai Indians
Importantly, all three opponents are already struggling or eliminated, giving Rajasthan a realistic opportunity to collect maximum points.
Winning all three matches would take RR to 18 points and guarantee qualification. Even two wins may still be enough depending on net run-rate and other outcomes.
Chennai Super Kings Face Tough Challenge
Chennai Super Kings suffered a damaging defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, which pushed them down the standings.
CSK now have two difficult games left:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Gujarat Titans
The margin of their recent loss also hurt their net run-rate, leaving them slightly behind Rajasthan Royals.
Chennai can still qualify with 16 points if results elsewhere go their way. However, their fate is no longer fully in their own control.
Given their experience in pressure situations, CSK remain a dangerous side despite the difficult scenario.
KKR Running Out of Time
Kolkata Knight Riders are in a very difficult position heading into the final stretch.
They still have three home matches remaining:
- Gujarat Titans
- Mumbai Indians
- Delhi Capitals
KKR can reach a maximum of 15 points, which may or may not be enough depending on how other teams perform.
The clash against Delhi Capitals could become a direct knockout-style battle for survival. Any further slip-up would almost certainly end Kolkata’s playoff hopes.
Delhi Capitals Need Miracles
Delhi Capitals face the toughest road to qualification among the remaining contenders.
Their final matches are:
- Rajasthan Royals
- Kolkata Knight Riders
Delhi must win both games to stay alive. Even then, their extremely poor net run-rate of -0.993 could become a major obstacle if multiple teams finish level on points.
DC will also need favourable results from several other matches to keep their playoff dream alive.
IPL 2026 Playoff Race Heating Up
With only a few league matches remaining, the IPL 2026 qualification race is becoming increasingly dramatic.
RCB and Gujarat Titans currently appear closest to securing playoff spots, while Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Punjab Kings continue battling for the remaining positions.
For KKR and Delhi Capitals, every upcoming match now carries virtual knockout pressure.
The final days of the league stage promise intense cricket, major twists, and potentially dramatic qualification scenarios before the playoff teams are officially confirmed.
