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New Delhi. The Indian Premier League 2026 season has now reached its most exciting stage, where the battle for the playoffs has completely changed the equations. For cricket fans, this situation has become exactly like the proverb “One pomegranate and a hundred sick people”, the only difference is that here not one but five teams are fighting for just one playoff spot.

According to the information received so far, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have confirmed their places in the playoffs. After SRH’s win against Chennai Super Kings, the picture became more clear that three seats in the top-4 have been filled, while the fight for the fourth place is going on.

For this last place, there is a fierce competition between Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The situation in the points table has become so complicated that every match can directly change the playoff equation.

At present, Punjab Kings remains at fourth position, but the path ahead is not easy for them as there is a possibility of reaching maximum 15 points only. Rajasthan Royals has emerged as the strongest contender in this race, because it is the only team which can get a direct playoff ticket by reaching 16 points.

Rajasthan still has two important matches left, and the special thing is that both these teams are already out of the playoff race. In such a situation, if Rajasthan wins both the matches then it will qualify without depending on any other result. But if there is a loss in even one match, then the whole mathematics will get spoiled and then the game of net run rate will start between Punjab, KKR and other teams.

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders also have hopes left, but they will have to win both their matches to reach 15 points. At the same time, the hopes of Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings are also not completely lost, but their journey now depends on the results of others.

This entire scenario has made the league stage of IPL 2026 extremely exciting, where every over, every run and every wicket can change the picture of the playoffs. For cricket lovers, this last week will be no less than a final.