New Delhi: Three teams for the IPL 2026 playoffs have already been confirmed. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have successfully secured their spots in the playoffs. Now, only one spot remains, and three teams are battling it out for it. The fight for this single remaining berth involves Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Consequently, there is fierce competition among these three teams. However, only one team will ultimately emerge victorious.
What is the Scenario?
All three teams are currently in the race. The Rajasthan team sits in fourth place, having accumulated 14 points from 13 matches—comprising seven wins and six losses. Meanwhile, Kolkata and Punjab find themselves in an identical situation; both teams have 13 points each from 13 matches, with six wins and an equal number of losses. Each of these three teams has one match left to play. Given this context, Rajasthan appears to have the highest probability of advancing.
Rajasthan is scheduled to play its match against Mumbai Indians tomorrow. If Rajasthan wins this match, their points tally will rise to 16, and they will qualify for the playoffs without any complications. Even if Punjab and Kolkata both win their respective matches, they would each reach a maximum of 15 points; thus, their chances of advancing would hinge entirely on a Rajasthan defeat.
If the Rajasthan team loses, and both Punjab and Kolkata win their matches, then the team with the superior Net Run Rate will advance; however, if Rajasthan secures a victory, they will be the ones to make it to the playoffs.
Top 2 Teams Confirmed
Whichever of these three teams manages to advance will occupy the fourth position. The top two teams have already been decided: RCB finished the league stage in first place, while Gujarat secured the second spot. Consequently, these two teams will play the first Qualifier match. The winner of this match will advance directly to the Final. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad holds the third position; Hyderabad and the team finishing in fourth place will play the Eliminator match. The team that wins this match will advance to the second Qualifier, where it will face the team that lost the first Qualifier. The winner of this match will take on the winner of the first Qualifier in the final.
