RCB, GT and SRH qualifies for IPL 2026 playoffs as teams battle for the final spot after SRH’s thrilling 5-wicket win over CSK
New Delhi: The IPL 2026 playoff race has become more exciting with only 7 league matches left in the tournament. Sunrisers Hyderabad confirmed their place in the playoffs after defeating Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The result also helped Gujarat Titans secure their playoff position.
SRH joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans as the three teams that have officially qualified for the playoffs. At the same time, the fight for the fourth and final playoff spot has become very competitive, with five teams still in the race. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have officially been eliminated from the tournament.
RCB Become First Team to Reach Playoffs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their impressive form in IPL 2026 by becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs. RCB secured their place after beating Punjab Kings by 23 runs in Dharamsala. The team has looked strong throughout the season, winning 9 out of their 13 matches so far. Their Net Run Rate of +1.065 is currently the best in the tournament, which has almost guaranteed them a top-four finish.
RCB Current Record
- Matches: 13
- Wins: 9
- Losses: 4
- Points: 18
- Net Run Rate: +1.065
- Status: Qualified
RCB are now also favourites to finish in the top two, which would give them two chances to reach the IPL 2026 final.
Also Read: RR vs LSG IPL 2026: Will Rajasthan Stay Alive in the Playoff Race?
SRH Gain Momentum at the Right Time
Sunrisers Hyderabad have found form at the perfect stage of the tournament. Their important 5-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk confirmed their playoff qualification and moved them into the top three on the points table. After struggling for consistency earlier in the season, SRH improved their performances in the second half with good batting and disciplined bowling. Their middle-order batters handled the pressure well against CSK and successfully completed the chase.
SRH Current Record
- Matches: 13
- Wins: 8
- Losses: 5
- Points: 16
- Net Run Rate: +0.350
- Status: Qualified
SRH are still in the race for a top-two finish depending on results in the remaining league games.
Gujarat Titans Also Confirm Playoff Spot
Gujarat Titans officially qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs after SRH defeated CSK. GT have been one of the most consistent teams this season despite facing a few difficult matches during the middle phase of the tournament.
Their strong bowling attack and dependable batting performances have helped them stay near the top of the table throughout the season.
GT Current Record
- Matches: 13
- Wins: 8
- Losses: 5
- Points: 16
- Net Run Rate: +0.400
- Status: Qualified
GT are also among the strongest contenders to finish in the top two along with RCB.
Five Teams Still Battling for Final Playoff Spot
With three playoff places already confirmed, the fight for the last remaining spot has become very close. Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders are all still mathematically in contention.
Punjab Kings Have Slight Advantage
PBKS are currently in fourth place and are in a better position than the other teams fighting for the last playoff spot.
Punjab Kings Current Record
- Matches: 13
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 6
- No Result: 1
- Points: 13
- Net Run Rate: +0.227
- Status: Active Contender
PBKS need to win their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants to improve their chances of qualification. A victory would take them to 15 points, which could be enough unless Rajasthan Royals win both of their remaining matches.
However, if PBKS lose, the playoff race will become completely open again.
Rajasthan Royals Still Have Strong Chance
Rajasthan Royals are still in a good position because they have two matches left to play, which gives them an advantage over some other teams.
RR Current Record
- Matches: 12
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 6
- Points: 12
- Net Run Rate: +0.027
- Status: Active Contender
If RR win both their remaining matches, they will reach 16 points and are likely to qualify for the playoffs. Even one win could keep them in the race depending on other match results. Their slightly positive Net Run Rate could also become important later.
CSK Face Difficult Situation After SRH Loss
Chennai Super Kings suffered a major setback after losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 5 wickets at home. The defeat has made their road to the playoffs much more difficult.
CSK Current Record
- Matches: 13
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 7
- Points: 12
- Net Run Rate: -0.016
- Status: Slim Outside Chance
CSK can now only reach a maximum of 14 points if they win their final league match. But they will also need Punjab Kings to lose and several other results to go in their favour. Their qualification chances may finally depend on Net Run Rate.
Delhi Capitals Still Alive but Under Pressure
Delhi Capitals are still mathematically in the playoff race, but their chances are very low.
DC Current Record
- Matches: 13
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 7
- Points: 12
- Net Run Rate: -0.871
- Status: Slim Outside Chance
DC’s poor Net Run Rate has badly affected their chances. Even if they win their last match, they will still need many other results to go in their favour.
KKR Still in Race as Dark Horse
Kolkata Knight Riders are also still in contention, although their qualification chances depend heavily on other teams losing matches.
KKR Current Record
- Matches: 12
- Wins: 5
- Losses: 6
- No Result: 1
- Points: 11
- Net Run Rate: -0.038
- Status: Dark Horse Contender
KKR must win both their remaining matches to reach 15 points and then hope that other results help them qualify.
Although they are still mathematically alive, KKR no longer control their own fate.
MI and LSG Officially Out
Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have become the first two teams to be officially eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race.
Mumbai Indians
- Matches: 12
- Wins: 4
- Losses: 8
- Points: 8
- Net Run Rate: -0.504
- Status: Eliminated
Lucknow Super Giants
Matches: 12
Wins: 4
Losses: 8
Points: 8
Net Run Rate: -0.701
Status: Eliminated
Both teams struggled with consistency throughout the season and could not recover during the crucial middle stage of the tournament.
Final Week Expected to Bring More Drama
With only seven league matches remaining, the IPL 2026 playoff race is set for a thrilling finish. While RCB, SRH and GT have already qualified and are now fighting for top-two positions, five other teams are still battling for the final playoff berth.
Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals currently look like the strongest contenders, but Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders still have a mathematical chance.
Every remaining match now carries huge importance, and the tournament is heading toward one of the most exciting finishes in recent IPL history.
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