IPL 2026 playoffs qualification race is heating up with seven teams competing for three spots after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sealed their playoff spot. RCB became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after securing a commanding 23-run win over Punjab Kings on Sunday at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals’ victory over Rajasthan Royals further intensified the playoff battle, making the qualification permutations even more complicated. So far, only the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have been eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race, with the remaining teams still battling for the final three spots.
Who needs what to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs?
Let’s dive into this story and find out about the playoff qualification scenario of the seven IPL teams.
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans, who are currently at the second spot in the points table, are just one win away from qualification. If they manage to win their remaining two matches, they will firmly challenge RCB for the top spot. However, even if they lose their remaining match, they will likely qualify due to their impressive NRR.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH are currently sitting in third place with 14 points. If they win their remaining two matches, they can reach 18 points and are also top contenders for the top two spot alongside RCB. While if Hyderabad win only one match they will still qualify easily due to their healthy NNR.
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Punjab Kings: Punjab Kings are currently in a precarious situation with six consecutive defeats. PBKS can reach only 15 points if they win their last match against Lucknow Super Giants. While they will also hope that Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders fail to reach 14 points.
Rajasthan Royals: Rajasthan Royals will have to win their remaining two matches to finish with 16 points, which will put them ahead of PBKS, KKR, and DC. If they manage to win only one match the situation will force them into an ugly NRR battle with CSK and DC, provided that either KKR or PBKS fail to reach 15 points.
Chennai Super Kings: CSK will have to win their remaining two matches to reach 16 points. Winning just one match (14 points) leaves them completely dependent on RR, KKR, and PBKS not crossing the 14-point mark, as well as keeping their NRR above the competition.
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Delhi Capitals: Delhi Capitals kept their qualification hopes alive after securing a 5-wicket win over RR. To qualify, DC will look to win their last league stage match and do so by a big margin, whilst heavily relying on CSK, PBKS, and RR to lose all of their remaining fixtures, and KKR not to win more than one. Furthermore, they desperately need massive margins of victory due to their pathetic NRR.
Also Read: Updated IPL 2026 Points Table After DC vs RR
