IPL 2026 Playoff Race: 5 Teams Fighting for Just 2 Spots

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Punjab Kings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajasthan Royals

Though Lucknow Super Giants is the bottom-placed team still mathematically in contention for a playoff berth.

Sunrisers Hyderabad has 14 points from 11 matches, having registered seven wins. Their remaining fixtures are against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. One more victory would take them to the safe mark of 16 points and almost guarantee a playoff spot.

Punjab Kings are in the second position with 13 points and the team has four matches left to play. With a good net run rate, the team is in a strong position to secure a top spot. For them, two more wins should be enough to confirm a playoff berth. Their remaining opponents are Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has the best net run rate among all ten teams. The team secured 12 points from 10 matches and still have matches against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. For them also, two more wins would likely secure a place in the playoffs.

Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans share 12 points each. With the competition for the top four intensifying, both teams will need convincing wins to improve their standings. Their clash against each other is expected to be crucial.

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings are currently on 10 points from 10 matches. Chennai will likely need to win at least three of their remaining four games to keep their playoff hopes alive. They still have two matches against Lucknow, while the other fixtures are against Gujarat and Hyderabad. If multiple teams finish on 14 points, Chennai’s positive net run rate could work in their favour.

Delhi Capitals face an even tougher challenge, as they may need to win all of their remaining matches to stay alive in the playoff race. Their poor net run rate further complicates their chances.

Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, can reach 17 points if they win all five of their remaining matches, which would almost certainly guarantee qualification. However, even a single defeat could leave them stranded on 15 points, making net run rate a decisive factor. The former champions will therefore need dominant victories in the matches ahead.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are currently placed ninth. Even if they win all four of their remaining games, Mumbai can only reach 14 points. In addition to winning their own matches, Mumbai will need favourable results from other teams, especially those currently on 12 points. Punjab, Kolkata and Rajasthan are among their remaining opponents.

Lucknow Super Giants still remain alive mathematically, but their campaign is almost over in practical terms. Even four consecutive wins would only take them to 14 points, while their poor net run rate significantly weakens their chances.

At present, the top four positions in the IPL points table are occupied by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. Hyderabad climbed to the top after defeating Punjab Kings in their previous match, pushing Punjab down to second place.

RCB, despite suffering defeats in their last two games, continue to hold third position with 12 points and the best net run rate in the competition. Kolkata, Punjab and Hyderabad are their remaining opponents.

Rajasthan Royals, which started the season strongly, have struggled in recent matches. With 12 points from 10 games, Rajasthan need at least two more victories to stay firmly in contention for the playoffs. Their remaining fixtures are against Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.