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IPL 2026 Playoff Qualification Scenarios: Who Is In, Who Is Out and Who Is Hanging On
21 May 2026, 5:29 pm
The Teams Already Through and Those Still Fighting
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad have confirmed their IPL 2026 playoff spots, while Gujarat Titans are on the brink of joining them. The remaining one or two positions are being contested between Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals, making for one of the most chaotic final weeks in recent IPL history.
Rajasthan Royals Hold the Strongest Position
Among the teams still fighting, Rajasthan Royals currently control their own destiny with 14 points and a final match still to play. A win for Rajasthan would almost certainly confirm their playoff spot regardless of what other teams do. Their batting lineup has performed well in the second half of the season, and heading into a final league game with so much at stake, you would not want to bet against a franchise with their experience and mental strength.
CSK, KKR and PBKS in a Three-Way Battle
Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings are all fighting fiercely for what could be just one remaining playoff spot between them. KKR boosted their chances with last night's win over MI, PBKS have an apparently favourable final fixture against LSG, and CSK need tonight's result to go their way plus significant help from other venues. The net run rate calculations are becoming increasingly important, and teams are now acutely aware that winning by a large margin matters just as much as simply winning the match itself.