IPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: What Each Team Needs to Qualify

Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have officially been eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race following their defeats against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings respectively.

Mumbai Indians were knocked out after suffering a two-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a last-over thriller.

Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants were eliminated after Chennai Super Kings chased down 204 in a high-scoring encounter.

With MI and LSG out, the playoff race is now set to intensify among Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals as the league stage enters its final stretch.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru climbed to the top of the table after their thrilling win over Mumbai Indians.

Current Position: 1st — 14 Points (11 Matches), NRR: +1.103

Scenario:

• Need to win 1 of their remaining 3 matches to secure a playoff spot.
• Winning all 3 matches will guarantee both playoff qualification and a Top 2 finish (20 points).

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Current Position: 2nd — 14 Points (11 Matches), NRR: +0.737

Scenario:

Need to win 1 of their remaining 3 matches to secure a playoff spot.

Winning all 3 matches will guarantee both playoff qualification and a Top 2 finish (20 points).

Gujarat Titans

Current Position: 3rd — 14 Points (11 Matches), NRR: +0.228

Scenario:

Need to win 1 of their remaining 3 matches to secure a playoff spot.

Winning all 3 matches will guarantee both playoff qualification and a Top 2 finish (20 points).

Punjab Kings

Current Position: 4th — 13 Points (10 Matches), NRR: +0.571

Scenario:

• Need to win at least 2 of their remaining 4 matches to reach 17 points, which should be enough for qualification.

• Winning all 4 remaining matches will guarantee Top 1 spot (21 points).

  Chennai Super Kings

Current Position: 5th — 12 Points (11 Matches), NRR: +0.185

Scenario:

• Need at least 2 wins from their final 3 matches to reach 16 points, which is generally considered safe for qualification.

Rajasthan Royals

Current Position: 6th — 12 Points (11 Matches), NRR: +0.082

Scenario:

• Need to win at least 2 of their remaining 3 matches to stay strongly in contention.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Current Position: 7th — 9 Points (10 Matches), NRR: -0.169

Scenario:

• Need to win 4 four remaining games to reach 17 points and will also rely on others results

Delhi Capitals

Current Position: 8th — 8 Points (11 Matches), NRR: -1.154

Scenario:

• Must win all their remaining 3 matches to reach 14 points.
• Qualification would then depend heavily on Net Run Rate and results of other teams.