PBKS, RR, CSK, DC to fight for last playoff spot:Qualification scenarios of all 4 teams explained

The playoff picture in the league stage of IPL 2026 is almost clear. After Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans have also secured their spots in the playoffs On Monday, Hyderabad defeated Chennai to reach 16 points and confirmed their place in the playoffs. This result also benefited Gujarat Titans, and the team also reached the knockout stage with 16 points. Now, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals are competing for the fourth spot in the playoffs. Current Standings of the Points Table Equation for all teams Bengaluru remains on top Royal Challengers Bengaluru is in first place with 18 points and a net run rate of +1.065. The team has already reached the playoffs and is almost certain to play Qualifier-1. RCB’s last league match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. Gujarat must defeat Chennai for Top-2 spot Gujarat Titans remains in second place with 16 points. The team’s net run rate is +0.400. Gujarat’s last match is against Chennai. To play Qualifier-1, Gujarat must win against Chennai. Hyderabad secured a spot in the top-3 Hyderabad defeated Chennai to secure 16 points from 13 matches. The team has now reached the third position. Hyderabad’s last match will be against Bangalore. If SRH wins this match, the team can also reach the top-2. Do or die situation for Punjab and Rajasthan Punjab Kings are in fourth place with 13 points. The team has lost 6 consecutive matches. Punjab must win against Lucknow to reach the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals are in fifth place with 12 points. The team now has to play matches against Lucknow and Mumbai. Rajasthan will have to win both matches to reach the top-4. Chennai’s hopes diminished Chennai suffered a big blow after losing to Hyderabad. The team is at 12 points from 13 matches and its net run rate is also not very good. Chennai will now have to win their last match against Gujarat, and also depend on the results of other teams. Kolkata and Delhi are still in the race Kolkata Knight Riders are in 8th place with 11 points. The team will have to win both their matches against Mumbai and Delhi. Delhi Capitals are in seventh place with 12 points. The team’s net run rate (-0.871) is quite poor. Delhi will have to register a big win against Kolkata and also wait for other results. Mumbai and Lucknow are already out Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are in ninth and tenth place respectively with 8-8 points. Both teams are already out of the playoff race. Top Players of the Tournament Klaasen becomes Orange Cap holder Hyderabad’s Heinrich Klaasen has become the Orange Cap holder with 555 runs in 13 matches. Sai Sudharsan is at number two with 554 runs. Shubman Gill is in third place with 552 runs. Bhuvneshwar has the Purple Cap Bengaluru fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains the Purple Cap holder with 24 wickets. Gujarat’s Kagiso Rabada is in second place with 21 wickets. Chennai’s Anshul Kamboj remains in third place with 20 wickets.