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IPL 2026 has 13 games left in the league phase with 57 played. Eight teams are still in contention for the Playoffs and all four spots are open. Only MI and LSG are out of the race so far and by May 24, four more will join them. Four will be left to battle it out in the next round.

LSG and MI may be out of the running as far as a top four finish is concerned but they still have a role to play. In fact, with nothing to lose, these two teams can ruin the party for others. Both sides have three games apiece and if they win one or two or even three, other sides will be impacted. They could ruin the Playoffs chances for some of the higher ranked sides.

Which Teams Shall MI Face?

MI face PBKS, KKR and RR in their remaining matches. All of them are in the hunt for the Playoffs. In fact, they could KKR’s hopes with a win over them and also make life tough for PBKS and RR. They are going down but they could take down others with them.

LSG will face CSK in their next game followed by RR and PBKS. If they can pull off some wins it will change the complexion of the Playoffs race. LSG could bring down a couple of sides and inadvertently make life easier for others. Anything can happen as the Playoffs race gets tighter with every encounter.

© X/IPL

The Playoffs are from May 26 to 29. The final will be on May 29. It remains to be seen if there will be a new champion or an old one. We have not had a first-time winner since 2022 when GT lifted the title and that too in their first season.

RCB are the defending champions. CSK and MI share the record for most titles while RR are the first-ever winners. This is the 19th edition since the competition began in 2008. LSG, DC and PBKS are the only teams who have never won the title. The franchise that won in 2009 was DCH who have not taken part after the 2012 edition.