RCB’s playoff chances hit 92.6% after beating KKR:Punjab Kings in must-win zone vs MI; Virat Kohli re-enters Orange Cap race

The IPL 2026 has entered into a very interesting phase with eight teams still in contention for a spot in the playoffs. The Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have been eliminated. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) reclaimed the top spot on the IPL 2026 points table with a victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). They have the same points as Gujarat Titans (GT) but are ahead due to Net Run Rate (NRR). IPL 2026 points table after Match 57 RCB, GT playoff qualification almost confirmed RCB and GT are almost through to the playoffs, needing one win each to officially make it to the last four. Both teams have secured 16 points each. Bengaluru and Gujarat need to win one of their remaining two matches to secure a playoff spot. Both teams have 16 points each. Bengaluru’s net run rate (+1.053) is the best in the league. RCB will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while Gujarat Titans (GT) will play against KKR and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). KKR in eighth spot, face must-win situation after loss to RCB Meanwhile, the situation is quite grim for KKR after they faced their sixth loss this season. The three-time champions have nine points from 11 matches and have three matches remaining. Kolkata need to win all remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. Ajinkya Rahane and co next face Gujarat, Mumbai, and Delhi, all three being home matches. Punjab must defeat Mumbai Punjab Kings have slipped to fourth place after losing four consecutive matches. The team has 13 points and every match has become crucial. Punjab will face Mumbai today, where they need a win. After this, the team will play against Bengaluru and Lucknow. If PBKS win 2 matches, their entry into the playoffs will be confirmed. Also read: Virat Kohli celebrates after breaking streak of back-to-back ducks: Bethell’s gold chain comes off after being hit by Tyagi’s bouncer Top Players of the Tournament Virat Kohli third in Orange Cap race Virat Kohli has reached the third position in the Orange Cap race in IPL 2026. After scoring a century against KKR, he has accumulated 484 runs in 12 matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Heinrich Klaasen remains in the first position with 508 runs, while Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan is in second place with 501 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to lead Purple Cap race Bengaluru’s fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026. He has taken 22 wickets in 12 matches. Gujarat’s Kagiso Rabada has moved to second place with 21 wickets. Chennai’s Anshul Kamboj is in third place with 19 wickets.