With only five league-stage matches left in IPL 2026, the playoff race has narrowed sharply. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already secured qualification, while Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians are officially out.
That leaves Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings fighting for the final playoff place.
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With 32 possible combinations still remaining, every result matters.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR are currently in the strongest position among the teams still battling for qualification.
- RR will qualify directly if they beat MI in their final league game.
- A victory could also potentially create a three-way tie for second place with SRH and GT if both those teams lose their remaining fixtures.
- If RR lose to MI, they will then need PBKS to lose against LSG to stay ahead in the race.
In simple terms, RR control their own destiny.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS still have a realistic shot but need outside help.
- PBKS must beat LSG. Without a win, they are eliminated.
- Even after beating LSG, they still need MI to defeat RR.
- If both results happen, then the KKR vs DC match becomes crucial.
- If KKR lose, PBKS qualify as sole fourth-placed team.
- If KKR win, PBKS and KKR could finish tied for the final playoff spot.
PBKS therefore need two results in their favour before worrying about net run rate calculations.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR’s equation is similar to PBKS.
- KKR must beat DC to stay alive.
- However, that alone is not enough.
- They also need MI to beat RR.
- If RR lose, then PBKS vs LSG becomes decisive.
- A PBKS defeat would send KKR through as sole fourth-placed side.
- If PBKS win, KKR and PBKS could end level on points for the last playoff berth.
KKR remain alive, but their fate is partially dependent on MI helping them out.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC are still mathematically alive, but their chances are extremely slim.
- DC must beat KKR.
- They also need LSG to beat PBKS.
- Additionally, MI must beat RR.
- If all three results happen, DC could enter a tie for fourth place involving RR, KKR and possibly CSK.
However, DC’s net run rate is significantly weaker than their rivals, making qualification highly unlikely unless results are accompanied by huge winning margins.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK’s path is the most complicated among all remaining teams.
- CSK first need to beat GT in Ahmedabad.
- Then they require LSG to beat PBKS.
- MI must also defeat RR.
- DC additionally need to beat KKR.
If all four results go their way, CSK could end tied for fourth place alongside RR and DC.
CSK’s net run rate is currently better than DC’s but still behind RR’s, meaning qualification would still likely depend on margin calculations.
Remaining Key Fixtures
- LSG vs PBKS
- MI vs RR
- KKR vs DC
- CSK vs GT
- SRH vs RCB
The playoff race is now effectively centred around RR, PBKS and KKR, while DC and CSK remain dependent on multiple unlikely outcomes.
Fans can still expect dramatic twists with every remaining game carrying major playoff implications.
