The race for the final playoff spot in IPL 2026 is set to go right down to the final double-header on Sunday, with Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders all still mathematically in contention for the last remaining place in the top four.
Punjab Kings’ crucial win over Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday officially ended Delhi Capitals’ playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already secured qualification for the playoffs. RCB and GT are set to face each other in Qualifier 1, while SRH will wait to learn their Eliminator opponent.
Punjab Kings currently sit fourth on the points table with 15 points from 14 matches and a healthy net run rate of +0.309. However, their qualification is still dependent on other results.
For PBKS to qualify comfortably, they need Mumbai Indians to defeat Rajasthan Royals. They would also prefer Delhi Capitals to beat Kolkata Knight Riders later in the evening.
Even if KKR manage to win and finish level with Punjab on 15 points, PBKS still hold a significant advantage in net run rate. Kolkata would require a massive victory margin to move ahead.
If the first innings total is 200, KKR would need to win by at least 77 runs or chase the target down within 12.1 overs to overtake Punjab on net run rate. Another possibility is finishing the chase in 12.4 overs if the winning shot is a six after the scores are level.
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, have the simplest qualification equation among the three teams. Led by Riyan Parag, RR currently have 14 points from 13 matches. A victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium will directly seal their playoff spot with 16 points. However, a defeat or even a washout would eliminate them from the race.
Kolkata Knight Riders remain outsiders despite still being mathematically alive. They currently have 13 points from 13 matches with a net run rate of +0.011.
For KKR to qualify, Rajasthan Royals must lose to Mumbai Indians. After that, Kolkata would need a huge victory over Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens to surpass Punjab Kings’ superior net run rate and sneak into the playoffs.
