The IPL 2026 points table had been interesting even since teams like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) began enduring a losing streak, while the likes of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bounced back after an early wobble.
The competition is progressing towards the playoffs. And after the SRH vs RCB fixture on Friday night in Hyderabad, only three matches remain in the league stage. Yet, one spot for the playoffs is up for grabs.
Three teams – Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Sunrisers Hyderabad – have qualified for the playoffs. Further, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are out of contention for a top four finish.
This has left RR, PBKS, KKR, and Delhi Capitals (DC) fighting for the one remaining spot for the playoffs with three games to go.
The three matches left in the IPL 2026 league stage are: LSG vs PBKS on Saturday in Lucknow; MI vs RR in Mumbai on Sunday afternoon; and KKR vs DC on Sunday evening in Kolkata. All these three encounters involve at least one team still alive in the playoffs race, with the KKR vs DC clash comprising two outfits that could be left battling for progression.
However, it might not even come down to the last game if RR beat MI. Let’s see the situation of each of these four teams.
IPL 2026: Qualification Scenario Explained As RR, PBKS, KKR, DC Remain In Contention For One Playoffs Spot
Rajasthan Royals: 13 matches, 14 points, NRR +0.083
RR still have their fate in their own hands. If they beat MI on Sunday afternoon, they will qualify for the playoffs with 16 points, as all three of PBKS, KKR, and DC have fewer than 14 points.
If RR lose to MI, though, then they stand a chance to be pipped over by PBKS and/or KKR, as both have 13 points each, or even by DC, who have 12 points but a much inferior NRR.
If RR lose to MI, then they will have to hope that PBKS lose to LSG on Saturday and later on DC beat KKR but not by a big enough margin as to go above them on NRR.
Punjab Kings: 13 matches, 13 points, NRR +0.227
It’s quite shocking to everyone how Punjab Kings have not yet qualified for the playoffs because they had dominated the first half of the season and were looking set for a top two finish along with RCB.
However, the tables have turned in a spectacular and concerning fashion for Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting’s contingent: PBKS have lost their last six matches and now are in a must-win position against LSG on Saturday.
If PBKS lose to LSG, they will be knocked out. If they win, they will still not be assured of a playoffs spot.
For PBKS to qualify for the playoffs, they will first have to beat LSG, and then hope for MI to beat RR on Sunday and then pray that DC beat KKR, or if KKR beat DC, then not by a margin enough to topple them on NRR.
Kolkata Knight Riders: 13 matches, 13 points, NRR +0.011
KKR was one of the teams that seemed to go out early from the playoffs race. They failed to win a single game of their first five completed matches and kept losing players to injury. It’s applaudable that they are still alive in the playoffs race with 13 points in as many outings.
For KKR to qualify for the playoffs, they will want MI to beat RR, and then they will have to trump DC to finish with 15 points.
PBKS can also finish with 15 points if they beat LSG. However, KKR play a day after the PBKS vs LSG clash, so they will know the equation they need.
Delhi Capitals: 13 matches, 12 points, NRR -0.871
Delhi Capitals are the worst-placed among these four teams in discussion with regard to playoffs qualification. The best they can reach is 14 points by a potential win over KKR, while RR and PBKS can reach 16 and 15 points, respectively.
For DC to qualify for the playoffs, PBKS will have to lose to LSG, RR will have to go down against MI, and DC will have to beat KKR on Sunday night by a big margin so their NRR goes past RR’s.
However, the gap between the NRR of DC and RR is massive. According to ESPNcricinfo, the difference in the overall margin of the potential loss of RR against MI and the potential win for DC against KKR will need to be 230 runs.
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