IPL 2026: The Indian Premier League 2026 playoff race has entered a decisive phase as several teams battling for the four qualification spots as the league stage nears its conclusion. As per the tournament format, the top four teams in the points table qualify for the playoffs. The top two teams play in Qualifier 1, where the winner advances directly to the final, while the loser gets another opportunity in Qualifier 2. The third and fourth-placed teams meet in the Eliminator, where the losing side is knocked out of the tournament.
Here is a look at the qualification scenarios for all 10 IPL franchises.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 standings after registering their seventh victory of the season. RCB currently have 14 points from 11 matches along with a strong net run rate of +1.103.
The defending champions require just one more win from their remaining three league matches to seal a playoff berth. If they win all three games, they can finish on 20 points and secure a top-two finish.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad remain one of the most consistent sides this season and are placed second on the points table with 14 points from 11 games and a net run rate of +0.737.
SRH need only one more victory from their remaining three fixtures to qualify for the playoffs. Winning all three matches could take them to 20 points and strengthen their chances of finishing in the top two.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans occupy third place on the points table after winning seven of their 11 matches. Shubman Gill’s side has 14 points with a net run rate of +0.228.
GT need one victory from their remaining three matches to confirm qualification for the playoffs. Three wins from three games would take them to 20 points and put them in contention for a Qualifier 1 spot.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings made a strong start to the season but have slipped slightly after suffering three consecutive defeats. PBKS currently have 13 points from 10 matches and a net run rate of +0.571.
The Punjab-based franchise need at least two wins from their remaining four games to secure qualification. Winning all four matches would take them to 21 points.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings revived their playoff hopes after recovering from a difficult start to the season. CSK currently have 12 points from 11 matches with a net run rate of +0.185.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side will likely need two wins from their remaining three league matches to reach the 16-point mark, which is generally considered enough for qualification.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals slipped to sixth place following their defeat to Gujarat Titans but remain firmly in the playoff race with 12 points from 11 matches.
RR likely need to win at least two of their remaining three matches to reach 16 points and keep qualification in their own hands.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders remain mathematically alive in the playoff race with nine points from 10 matches. However, their net run rate of -0.169 leaves them with little margin for error.
KKR need to win all four of their remaining league matches to reach 17 points. They will also depend on favourable results from other teams..
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals are eighth in the standings with eight points from 11 matches after a poor run of form.
The Axar Patel-led side must win all three remaining matches to finish on 14 points. Even then, DC will depend heavily on other results and Net Run Rate calculations to qualify.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians have officially been eliminated from IPL 2026 playoff contention after their defeat against RCB in Raipur.
The five-time champions have only six points from 11 matches and can now finish with a maximum of 12 points even if they win all remaining fixtures.
Lucknow Super Giants (MI)
Lucknow Super Giants became the first team to be knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race.
The Rishabh Pant-led side has six points from 11 matches and can no longer mathematically qualify for the top four after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings.