KKR, RR, CSK and PBKS remain in contention with playoff qualification set to go down to the final day
The race for the final playoff spot in IPL 2026 is set for a dramatic finish, with Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings all still in contention heading into the last round of league matches.
With qualification scenarios heavily dependent on net run rate (NRR), the identity of the fourth playoff team will only be confirmed on May 24, the final day of the league stage.
Rajasthan Royals hold advantage
Rajasthan Royals remain in the strongest position among the chasing pack. Sitting on 14 points from 13 games, RR will secure a playoff spot automatically if they defeat Mumbai Indians in their final match.
RR also retain an outside chance of finishing in the top two, though that would require defeats for both Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad along with a significant boost in NRR.
If RR lose to MI, their hopes would then depend on both PBKS and KKR losing their final matches.
KKR still alive after MI win
Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial win over Mumbai Indians, improving their NRR into positive territory.
KKR can qualify if they beat Delhi Capitals in their final game and both RR and PBKS lose.
However, if PBKS win their last match, KKR may need a massive victory margin against DC to overtake Punjab on NRR.
PBKS need one final push
Despite going winless in their last six matches, Punjab Kings still control part of their destiny.
A win over Lucknow Super Giants, combined with an RR defeat, could send PBKS into the playoffs thanks to their superior NRR over KKR.
CSK relying on multiple results
Chennai Super Kings face the toughest route to qualification.
CSK must beat Gujarat Titans and also hope RR, PBKS and KKR all lose their final matches. Their NRR remains close enough to RR’s that a moderate win could help them move ahead if results fall their way.
DC virtually out
Delhi Capitals are mathematically alive but realistically eliminated because of their poor NRR.
Even if all remaining results favour them, DC would require an enormous victory margin over KKR and a heavy RR defeat to stand any chance of qualification.
Top-two race also intensifies
At the top of the table, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad are battling for the top-two spots, which provide an extra opportunity to reach the final.
GT will look to strengthen their position with a win over CSK, while SRH could move ahead of them depending on victory margins in their clash against RCB.
