IPL 2026 Qualification Scenarios
59 matches into the league stage, no team has confirmed a playoffs spot yet. With LSG and MI eliminated, here's what the other eight teams need to reach the top four.
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 1.053 |
| 2 | GT | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 0.551 |
| 3 | SRH | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 0.331 |
| 4 | PBKS | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 13 | 0.355 |
| 5 | RR | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0.082 |
| 6 | CSK | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 0.027 |
| 7 | DC | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 10 | -0.993 |
| 8 | KKR | 11 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 9 | -0.198 |
| 9 | MI (E) | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 8 | -0.504 |
| 10 | LSG (E) | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 8 | -0.701 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Remaining: PBKS (A), SRH (A)
RCB are one win from sealing a playoffs berth. 18 points would also put them in strong position for a top-two finish (20 confirms it), given their NRR of +1.053—nearly double the next best. Elimination possible if they lose both and GT/RR reach 18, SRH beat CSK (18), PBKS beat LSG (17). They could still qualify with 16 points if other results go their way.
Gujarat Titans
Remaining: KKR (A), CSK (H)
GT are on a five-match winning streak and can become the first team to qualify with a win over KKR (4-1 head-to-head). Elimination if they lose both. 20 points guarantees top-two; 18 could lead to a four-way tie with RCB, RR, and SRH, decided by NRR.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Remaining: CSK (A), RCB (H)
Two wins confirm a playoff spot. If they beat CSK and lose to RCB, they still qualify if PBKS and RR win no more than one. Can make it with 14 points if PBKS and RR go winless and KKR drop at least one.
Punjab Kings
Remaining: RCB (H), LSG (A)
17 points will be enough. They can still make it with 13 points if RR and CSK stay winless and KKR beat DC but lose to GT and MI. 15 points leaves them dependent on other results.
Rajasthan Royals
Remaining: DC (A), LSG (H), MI (A)
Three wins gets them to 18, guaranteeing qualification. Can finish top four with 16 points. 14 points could be enough if PBKS and CSK lose all remaining matches.
Chennai Super Kings
Remaining: SRH (H), GT (A)
Defeat to LSG has put their fate out of their hands. Can qualify with 16 points if RCB beat SRH and RR/PBKS win no more than one. 14 points possible if PBKS and RR go winless.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Remaining: GT (H), MI (H), DC (H)
Can reach a maximum of 15 points. Could qualify with 13 points if they beat DC and PBKS, RR, and CSK lose all remaining games—then decided by NRR.
Delhi Capitals
Remaining: RR (H), KKR (A)
Must win both remaining games. Need RCB, GT, SRH to keep winning, and LSG/MI to beat PBKS and RR. Their NRR of -0.993 leaves almost no chance in a tie-breaker.
Related Posts
Explained: Why CA is considering privatising the BBL
Data Shorts: Marsh-ing over pace and hard lengths