One playoff spot in IPL 2026 is still available with three teams in the hunt, which will be decided on Sunday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already booked their places.
Shreyas Iyer scored a brilliant 101 not out as Punjab Kings chased down a 197-run target of Lucknow Super Giants to seal a seven-wicket win on Saturday. PBKS with the win have moved to the fourth spot with 15 points from 14 matches. PBKS’ win on Saturday knocked Delhi Capitals out of the playoff race as they can reach a maximum of 14 points if they beat Kolkata Knight Riders in their final league game on Sunday.
Let’s take a look at the IPL 2026 playoff race, with three teams: Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, fighting for the final playoff spot.
Punjab Kings
15 points from 14 matches | Net Run Rate: +0.309
Punjab Kings are currently placed fourth in the points table. However, their qualification is not fully in their hands anymore.
They now need Rajasthan Royals to lose against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. They will also hope Kolkata Knight Riders either lose to Delhi Capitals or win by only a small margin.
If KKR register a massive win, they could go past PBKS on net run rate and take the playoff spot.
Rajasthan Royals
14 points from 13 matches | Net Run Rate: +0.083
The equation is very straightforward for Rajasthan Royals. If they beat Mumbai Indians on Sunday, they will qualify for the playoffs as the fourth team.
But if the match gets washed out because of rain, RR will be knocked out. A no-result would leave them behind PBKS on net run rate.
Kolkata Knight Riders
13 points from 13 matches | Net Run Rate: +0.011
KKR still have a chance, but they need multiple results to go their way.
First, they need Rajasthan Royals to lose to Mumbai Indians. Then, KKR must beat Delhi Capitals by a huge margin in their final league game.
Only a big win will help them overtake Punjab Kings on net run rate and sneak into the playoffs.
