With the IPL 2026 league stage nearing its end, four teams remained locked in a high-stakes calculation for the final playoff spot alongside already-qualified Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Rajasthan Royals held the inside track with 14 points and a net run rate of plus 0.083, needing a win against Mumbai Indians on May 24 to reach 16 points and clinch outright. Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders sat on 13 points each, with Punjab holding the superior net run rate at plus 0.227 compared with KKR’s plus 0.011.
Chennai Super Kings were eliminated after Gujarat’s 89-run victory on May 21, ending the five-time champions’ slim mathematical hopes. Delhi Capitals remained technically alive but required multiple upsets and favorable net run rate swings given their minus 0.871 NRR.
Analysts said the final playoff berth would likely be decided on the last league day, May 24, depending on results in matches involving Punjab against Lucknow Super Giants on May 23 and Kolkata against Delhi Capitals on the final day.
Gujarat Titans’ victory over Chennai on May 21 removed one variable from the playoff equation by confirming three of four knockout berths. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat and Sunrisers Hyderabad had already secured qualification, leaving Rajasthan, Punjab, Kolkata and a distant Chennai and Delhi to contest the remaining spot.
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Sources:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/