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Tezzbuzz Desk- The race for the playoffs has become very exciting in the last round of the league stage of IPL 2026. While on one hand three teams—RCB, GT and SRH—have confirmed their place in the playoffs, the battle for the fourth and last place has now reached the final matches. The recent victory of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has made this match more interesting, due to which the hopes of many teams are still alive.

In the 65th match played at Eden Gardens on May 20, KKR created a big upset by defeating Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets. With this win, Kolkata not only gained 2 important points but also jumped two places in the points table. Now KKR has 13 points in 13 matches and their net run rate is (+0.011). After this victory, the team has jumped from 8th to 6th position.

After the win over Mumbai, KKR has left Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) behind. Both CSK and DC have 12-12 points in 13 matches. However, on the basis of better net run rate, CSK is at 7th and DC is at 8th.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) also remain in the race with 13 points from 13 matches, but due to better net run rate (+0.227) they are placed above KKR at 5th place. Currently, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in fourth place, with 14 points in 13 matches and a net run rate of +0.083.

Rajasthan has the easiest path to reach the playoffs. He will have to win his last match against Mumbai Indians. If RR wins this match, it will directly reach the playoffs.

If Rajasthan Royals loses their last match, the door may open for KKR. In that situation, Kolkata will have to defeat Delhi Capitals in their last match.

If this happens, KKR will have 15 points and can become the fourth team in the playoffs.

Punjab Kings’ last match is against Lucknow Super Giants on 23 May. If PBKS wins this match, then the playoff race can become even more complicated and the role of net run rate will become very important.

The situation for the fourth place in the playoffs is very clear—every match is now do or die. A defeat can eliminate any team, while a win can send the team directly into the playoffs.

Net run rate is playing a decisive role this time, due to which the importance of every run and every over has increased.

RCB (18 points) is on top in the points table. After that GT and SRH have 16-16 points. On the basis of run rate, GT is at second place and SRH is at third place. These three teams have already confirmed their place in the playoffs.