The IPL 2026 playoff picture is nearly complete, but the race for the fourth and final spot is set to go down to the wire.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru were the first team to seal their playoff berth after beating Punjab Kings on May 17. Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad then joined them following SRH’s victory over Chennai Super Kings the following day.
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians became the first casualties of the season, both eliminated after back-to-back defeats on May 10.
That leaves four teams scrapping for the one remaining spot. Rajasthan Royals are best placed, sitting on 14 points from 13 games with an NRR of +0.083. A win against the Mumbai Indians in their final match will confirm their qualification regardless of other results.
Punjab Kings, on 13 points, need to beat Lucknow Super Giants and also hope Rajasthan Royals slip up against Mumbai Indians.
Kolkata Knight Riders, with 11 points from 12 matches, must win both remaining games and rely on RR and PBKS dropping points to have any hope.
Delhi Capitals, despite having a game left, are virtually out of the race due to their abysmal NRR of -0.871, which makes the required margins almost mathematically impossible.
The final playoff spot is expected to be decided on May 24, the last day of the league stage.
