From Playoff Hope to Elimination: LSG’s Roller-Coaster Week in IPL 2026
LSG’s hopes suffered a major blow after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk yesterday
The LSG vs RCB match, held at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday, May 7, had captivated many cricket enthusiasts’ fancy since its results reshaped the playoff race. Lucknow Super Giants’ won over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions, thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s standout performance of 111 runs, while captain Rishabh Pant added a quick unbeaten 32 off 10 balls.
LSG’s win over RCB kept their playoff hopes alive at the time and tightened the race in the middle of the table. According to reports, RCB remained on 12 points after the defeat, while LSG moved to 10 points despite having an inferior net run rate.
That result significantly delayed RCB’s climb to the top and reopened qualification hopes for several teams. It also increased pressure on franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, who were all battling for playoff spots in a crowded mid-table contest.
At that stage of the tournament, qualification scenarios became increasingly dependent on net run rate and head-to-head momentum. Reports from multiple outlets said teams around the 10 to 14-point mark were still mathematically alive in the race for the top four.
However, the situation changed dramatically within days.
LSG’s hopes suffered a major blow after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk yesterday. CSK chased down 204 runs to beat Lucknow by five wickets, with Urvil Patel scoring 65 off 23 balls in a successful chase.
The loss effectively ended Lucknow’s playoff chances. Soon after, RCB returned to winning ways with a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in Raipur, yesterday itself. Krunal Pandya scored 73, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered an all-round performance to help RCB win on the final ball.
That win pushed RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 14 points from 11 matches.
The result also had a wider impact across the league. Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants became the first two teams officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Current qualification scenarios suggest RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad are now among the strongest contenders for playoff qualification, while Chennai Super Kings revived their campaign with back-to-back wins.
