IPL 2026 Playoffs: Six Teams Battle for Remaining Three Spots

The IPL 2026 playoff race has reached a fever pitch after Sunday’s double-header dramatically reshuffled the points table. Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to clinch a playoff berth following their win over Punjab Kings, while Delhi Capitals kept their hopes alive by defeating Rajasthan Royals. Six teams now scramble for three remaining spots with very little room for error.

SRH Hold the Key

Sunrisers Hyderabad sit in the most commanding position. A win over Chennai Super Kings would take them to 16 points and virtually seal qualification, simultaneously bolstering Gujarat Titans’ chances. An SRH victory would mathematically cripple CSK, PBKS, KKR, and DC, leaving only Rajasthan Royals capable of matching their points tally.

CSK, however, are not done. Winning both remaining matches and maintaining a strong Net Run Rate could still carry them through. Their results carry enormous weight — a defeat against SRH keeps RR, PBKS, and KKR all alive.

Desperate Situations for the Chasing Pack

Rajasthan Royals must win twice and pray CSK stumble. Punjab Kings, reeling from six straight losses, face a must-win final game against LSG on May 23. Delhi Capitals need to beat KKR and hope for a string of favourable results elsewhere. Kolkata, sitting on just 11 points, must win both remaining matches and still rely on NRR to sneak through.

With the league stage nearing its end, every ball bowled now carries playoff significance.