The IPL 2026 season continues to deliver thrilling contests as the playoff race heats up. The tournament features 10 franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals — making it one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world.
On Monday in Dharamsala, Delhi Capitals pulled off a stunning chase of 211 runs to hand Punjab Kings their fourth consecutive defeat of the season. Skipper Axar Patel led from the front with a crucial 56, while David Miller smashed 51 to revive the innings after DC were struggling at 74/4.
The finishing touches were provided by Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari as Delhi reached 216/7 in just 19 overs to stay alive in the playoff race.
Earlier, Punjab Kings had got off to a flying start courtesy of a 78-run opening stand between Priyansh Arya, who scored 56 off 33 balls, and Prabhsimran Singh. Captain Shreyas Iyer then anchored the innings with 59 off 36 balls, while Cooper Connolly added 38 off 27 to help PBKS post 210/5.
IPL 2026 Format Explained
The IPL 2026 season follows a format similar to IPL 2023, with the 10 teams divided into two groups. Each team plays:
- The teams in its own group twice
- Teams in the other group once
The format adds more importance to group rivalries while ensuring all franchises face each other during the league stage.
At the end of the league phase:
- The top four teams qualify for the playoffs
- The top two teams face off in Qualifier 1 for a direct place in the final
- Teams placed third and fourth compete in the Eliminator
- The winner of the Eliminator faces the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2
- The winner of Qualifier 2 advances to the final
Teams are ranked on points, and if sides are tied, Net Run Rate (NRR) is used as the tiebreaker.
IPL 2026 Points Table Update
Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain at the top of the table with 14 points and a superior NRR. Delhi Capitals have climbed to eighth position after their win, while Punjab Kings have slipped to fourth following their fourth successive defeat.
