After suffering a crucial defeat against the Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings have made the IPL playoff race even more intense. The loss not only hurt PBKS’s chances of comfortably securing the top spot but also opened the door for several other teams still fighting for qualification. With the points table getting tighter at the end of the tournament, every remaining match could now play a decisive role in shaping the final four spots.
With remaining 12 games left at the league stage of the tournament, 8 teams are still in the race of the IPL 2026 playoff. While the eliminated teams like MI and LSG still have a few games to play this season, they can make or break the chances of their rivals going to the playoffs.
Eliminated teams
Mumbai Indians
Lucknow Super Giants
Teams still in the race
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: They have won 8 games out of the 12 that they have played this season and are currently at the top of the points table with 16 points and an amazing NRR of +1.053, with remaining 2 matches to play with teams like PBKS and SRH. They have high chances of finishing at the top 2.
Gujarat Titans: They are currently at the 2nd spot on the points table with 16 points and a NRR of +0.551 in 8 wins out of 12 games that they have played so far. GT is one of the only two teams that still has a chance of reaching 20 points and finishing at the top. They still have 2 games to be played, winning both or even one of the games can take them directly in top 2 with 18 points while losing both games and finishing at 16 points can make them dependent on other teams for their qualification.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH have played 12 games out of which they have won 7 taking the third spot on the points table with 14 points and a [positive Net-Run-Rate of +0.331. Like RCB and GT, SRH too have two remaining games to play against CSK and RCB. If SRH wins both the games, they are certain to qualify with 18 points but if they lose even a single game, they are going to end up with 16 points again making them dependent on other teams.
Punjab Kings: Even after their 6-wicket loss to MI, PBKS are still in the race acquiring the 4th spot with 13 points and a NRR of +0.355. They have won 6 out of 12 matches with 1 no result. They still have two games left which they need to win in order to qualify for the playoff with 17 points. If they lose any of their matches, they might lose their direct chances for the playoff this season and might have to depend upon other teams.
Chennai Super Kings: CSK still has solid chances of making it into the top 4 with 18 points. They are currently at the 5th position on the IPL points table, with 12 points and a decent NRR of +0.185. They have won 4 out of their last 5 matches and currently are in a strong position. They will play against LSG, SRH and GT in their last three matches. They need to win at least 2 out of the three matches to reach the required points for the qualification. If they win all the remaining matches, they are most likely to finish at top with 18 points and a good run rate.
Rajasthan Royals: After a solid start this season, RR are still at the 6th spot on the points table with 12 points and a NRR of +0.082. They have won 6 out of 12 matches this season. RR needs to win 3 out of 3 remaining matches to reach up to 18 points. In case they lose even one game, they might end up with 16 points with other teams. They still can make it to the playoffs with a better win margin, increasing their NRR and chances for the playoffs.
Delhi Capitals: This season did not go as expected for the Delhi Capitals as they are currently at the 7th position on the points table with 10 points and a NRR of -0.993, they have lost 7 out of 12 games that they have played. They have 2 matches left in the tournament, if they lose any of the games, they are most likely to get eliminated from this season of IPL. DC are still mathematically in the game, but are dependent on other teams for their chances.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Currently at the bottom of the points table with 9 points and a NRR of -0.198. KKR still has a chance to reach the playoffs with 15 points while being dependent on other teams. They need to win 3 out of 3 remaining games against teams like GT, MI and DC, and then wait for other teams to lose a few matches that can strengthen their chances.
As the league stage nears its conclusion, the playoff race promises even more drama, pressure and excitement for fans and viewers across the country. With multiple teams still in the contention and the points table changing after every single game, the fight for the top 4 is set to deliver a thrilling finish to the IPL 2026 season.
This article is written by Divya Sharma, a student of Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, interning with Deccan Chronicle.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
