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Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is almost at the end of league stage games, but the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the only team that has sealed its berth for the playoffs, while the five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have already crashed out of contention.
Only seven teams, involving Gujarat Titans (GT), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are still locking horns for the top four spots.
However, each team must meet certain conditions to qualify for the top four. Take a closer look at how these seven teams can still secure qualification with only three playoff spots remaining in IPL 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
The defending champions have already sealed their spot for the last four and became the first team in IPL 2026 to qualify for top four with 18 points in 13 games after defeating PBKS on Sunday, May 17. With only one league game left vs SRH, the Bengaluru based franchise looks set for top two with a magnificent net run rate of 1.065.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans remain in a strong position in the IPL 2026 playoff race with 16 points from 13 matches and a healthy Net Run Rate of 0.400. GT only need a win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their final league game to officially seal their playoff berth.
A victory over CSK could also push them closer to a top-two finish, although that will depend on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) results in their remaining matches. If SRH win both their games, the race for top two could eventually come down to NRR.
However, a defeat against CSK would leave GT vulnerable despite having 16 points. In that case, multiple teams could still finish on 16 or more points, making qualification dependent on other results.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH currently have 14 points from 12 matches and remain one of the strongest contenders for a playoff spot.
SRH face Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final two league matches. A win against CSK alone would confirm their qualification as it would simultaneously eliminate CSK from reaching 16 points.
If SRH defeat CSK but lose to RCB, they can still remain in contention for a top-two finish depending on Gujarat Titans’ final result and NRR calculations.
Winning both matches would almost guarantee SRH a top-two finish, while losing both could potentially knock them out if other teams capitalize on the opportunity.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS’ campaign has suffered a dramatic collapse after six consecutive defeats. PBKS currently have 13 points from 13 matches and can only reach a maximum of 15 points if they beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final game.
Even a win may not guarantee qualification as several other teams are capable of finishing on 16 or more points. PBKS will therefore need favorable outcomes from other matches to stay alive in the playoff race.
Interestingly, there is still a slim possibility of qualification even with 13 points if Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fail to win their remaining games.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remain alive in the playoff race with 12 points from 12 games but their path has become extremely complicated.
CSK must win both their remaining games against SRH and GT to reach 16 points. However, even 16 points may not guarantee qualification if multiple teams end with the same tally.
A defeat against SRH would officially end CSK’s hopes of reaching 16 points and simultaneously confirm qualification for both SRH and GT.
If CSK manage to beat GT in their final game, they will still need teams like RR, PBKS, and KKR to drop points to improve their qualification chances.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals (RR) are currently on 12 points from 12 matches and need victories in both their remaining games against LSG and Mumbai Indians (MI) to stay in contention.
RR have struggled badly in recent weeks, losing six of their last eight matches. Even if they reach 16 points, qualification may still depend on NRR and results involving other teams.
However, if CSK lose to SRH, then 16 points will automatically become enough for qualification, which would significantly boost RR’s chances.
There is also a mathematical route for RR to qualify with 14 points, but that would require multiple favorable results including defeats for PBKS, CSK, DC, and KKR.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals (DC) remain in the hunt with 12 points from 13 matches but possess a disastrous NRR of -0.871, which severely hurts their chances.
DC realistically need to beat KKR in their final game and finish on 14 points. Even then, qualification will depend heavily on other teams losing their remaining fixtures.
For DC to sneak into the playoffs, PBKS, RR, and CSK all need to lose key matches so that no more than four teams cross the qualification threshold.
Given their poor NRR, DC cannot afford any tie-breaker situation and simply need results to fall perfectly in their favor.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) still have an outside chance despite sitting on 11 points from 12 matches.
KKR must win both their remaining games against MI and DC to move to 15 points. Even then, they will require PBKS to lose their final game and hope that not more than one among SRH, RR, and CSK crosses 15 points.
A defeat against Delhi Capitals would almost certainly eliminate KKR from IPL 2026 playoff contention.
If KKR beat DC but lose to MI, they could still mathematically qualify, although the scenario would then come down to a major NRR battle with PBKS.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have already been eliminated from IPL 2026 playoff contention despite recent positive performances.
Although LSG are out of the qualification race, they still have a massive role to play in deciding the fate of other teams. Their upcoming clash against Punjab Kings could directly impact PBKS’ playoff hopes.
LSG will now look to finish the season strongly and spoil the qualification chances of teams still battling for the top four.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians (MI) have also been knocked out of IPL 2026 and are officially out of the playoff race.
However, MI still remain a major factor in the qualification battle as they are set to face Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders in their remaining matches.
Victories in those games could dramatically alter the playoff standings and potentially eliminate RR or KKR from the competition.
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