IPL 2026 qualification scenarios: RCB, SRH closing in; DC in must-win territory
After the 54th match of IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have been eliminated. With 16 matches remaining in the league stage, eight teams are still in contention for the Playoffs.
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 1.103 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 0.737 |
| Gujarat Titans | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 0.228 |
| Punjab Kings | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 0.571 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0.185 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0.082 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 9 | -0.169 |
| Delhi Capitals | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 8 | -1.154 |
| Mumbai Indians (E) | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 6 | -0.585 |
| Lucknow Super Giants (E) | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 6 | -0.907 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Remaining fixtures: vs KKR (Home – Raipur), vs PBKS (Away), vs SRH (Away)
After a thrilling last-ball win over MI, RCB ended a two-game losing streak and sit top with 14 points. One more win should seal qualification. Two wins guarantee a Playoffs spot. Winning all three would take them to 20 points and likely a top-two finish.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Remaining fixtures: vs GT (Away), vs CSK (Away), vs RCB (Home)
SRH have been the standout side this season. With seven wins from 11 matches and an NRR of 0.737, they're second on 14 points. One win from their remaining three games should seal qualification. Three wins would put them on 20 points and likely a top-two spot.
Gujarat Titans
Remaining fixtures: vs SRH (Home), vs KKR (Away), vs CSK (Home)
After a strong comeback with four straight wins, GT are third with 14 points. Home wins in two of their three remaining games should secure a top-four spot. Winning all three could put them in the top-two.
Punjab Kings
Remaining fixtures: vs DC (Home – Dharamsala), vs MI (Home – Dharamsala), vs RCB (Home – Dharamsala), vs LSG (Away)
PBKS started with a seven-game unbeaten streak but have lost three straight. Despite that, they're well placed with 13 points from 10 matches. Two wins from their final four games should secure a Playoffs spot. Winning all four would take them to 21 points and likely a Qualifier 1 berth.
Chennai Super Kings
Remaining fixtures: vs LSG (Away), vs SRH (Home), vs GT (Away)
CSK have six wins from their last eight games after a poor start. With 12 points, winning all three remaining matches would take them to 18 points. Two wins (16 points) should also be enough. One win would leave them on 14 points, depending heavily on other results and NRR.
Rajasthan Royals
Remaining fixtures: vs DC (Away), vs LSG (Home), vs MI (Away)
After four straight wins to start, RR have lost five of seven. They sit sixth with 12 points. They need at least two wins from their last three games. Their remaining matches are against already eliminated teams, giving them a good chance to win all three.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Remaining fixtures: vs RCB (Away), vs GT (Home), vs MI (Home), vs DC (Home)
KKR are on a four-game winning streak after a poor start. With nine points from 10 matches, they must win all four remaining games to reach 17 points and need other results to go their way. Even one defeat makes qualification very difficult.
Delhi Capitals
Remaining fixtures: vs PBKS (Away), vs RR (Home), vs KKR (Away)
DC remain mathematically alive with eight points from 11 matches. They must win all three remaining games. Even then, with a maximum of 14 points, they need many other results to go their way. Any defeat ends their campaign.
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