IPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios: RCB take crucial step forward; KKR's fate out of their hands

No team has secured qualification yet, while Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have been eliminated. Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have taken definitive steps towards the knockouts, while Kolkata Knight Riders' chances have suffered a setback.

Points Table After Match #57 – RCB vs KKR

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Remaining fixtures: PBKS (A), SRH (A)

Two wins in Raipur have put RCB in strong position. A win against PBKS on Sunday takes them to 18 points, guaranteeing a playoff spot. If they lose to PBKS, they could still be eliminated on NRR even by beating SRH, as CSK, RR and GT could tie on 18 points. They could even qualify with two defeats if other results favour them, though a top-two finish would be unlikely.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Remaining fixtures: GT (H), MI (H), DC (H)

This defeat ends KKR's winning streak and puts their fate out of their hands. They can finish on a maximum of 15 points, which six teams can surpass. They could qualify with 13 or 15 points if other results go their way. Three home fixtures remaining offers some hope.

Gujarat Titans

Remaining fixtures: KKR (A), CSK (H)

GT are on a five-match winning streak and well-placed for a top-two finish. Two wins guarantee a top-two spot. Beating CSK but losing to KKR confirms qualification, but the reverse could see them miss out as five teams could reach 18 points. They could even qualify with two defeats if results align.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Remaining fixtures: CSK (A), RCB (H)

SRH have slipped to third after their Ahmedabad defeat. Winning both matches assures a playoff spot and possibly top-two, depending on margins after their NRR took a hit. If they win only one, ideally against CSK to prevent them from surpassing them. They could qualify with 14 points if other results favour them.

Punjab Kings

Remaining fixtures: MI (H), RCB (H), LSG (A)

PBKS have lost four consecutive matches, dropping to fourth. If they win all three to reach 19 points, they secure a top-two finish. Dropping one game makes qualification dependent on other results, as five teams could finish on 18 points or more.

Chennai Super Kings

Remaining fixtures: LSG (A), SRH (H), GT (A)

CSK sit just outside the top four with 12 points. Winning all three takes them to 18 points, but doesn't guarantee qualification as four other sides could reach or exceed that mark. They could qualify with 16 or 14 points but need other results to fall their way.

Rajasthan Royals

Remaining fixtures: DC (A), LSG (H), MI (A)

RR dropped out of the top four for the first time this season after their loss to Gujarat. They've played only one game since May 2. Winning all three remaining matches puts them in a strong position, but since they don't take points from other contenders, they could still be eliminated even with three wins.

Delhi Capitals

Remaining fixtures: RR (H), KKR (A)

DC are in must-win territory after staying afloat against Punjab. Their best scenario is winning both games to reach 14 points, hoping GT, RCB, and SRH keep winning so no other side reaches 14 and DC qualify without NRR intervention. DC have the worst NRR (-0.993), which hurts them in case of a tie on 14 points.