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The race for the 2026 season of IPL has now reached a very exciting point. Three teams have already qualified for the playoffs and there is a fierce battle between four teams for the fourth and final spot. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have strengthened their position in the playoffs. So, the fate of Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals now depends on the results of the remaining matches. Gujarat almost sealed their place in the top-2 with a big win over Chennai, while Chennai Super Kings are officially out of the competition.

Royce Challengers Bangalore are currently at the top position with 18 points and a net run rate of +1.065. The impressive win against Chennai has taken Gujarat to 18 points +0.695. Hyderabad team is on the third position in the points table with 16 points. RCB’s last league match will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad. By defeating Hyderabad, they can maintain their top position in the points table. A win would take them up to 20 points and secure their place in Qualifier 1.

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Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals are currently leading the race for the fourth spot. The team has scored 14 points in 13 matches and their net run rate is also good. Rajasthan’s last match is against Mumbai Indians. If they win this match, Rajasthan will enter the playoffs directly with 16 points. If Rajasthan lose to Mumbai, they will have to wait for the results of other teams.

Punjab Kings

Despite losing five in a row, Punjab Kings remain in the tournament. Punjab Kings last league match will be against Lucknow Super Giants. A win over LSG, who are already out of the tournament, will give Punjab 15 points. But, Jasthan needs to lose to qualify, so Punjab will have to hope that Mumbai beat Rajasthan. Also, the fate of Punjab will also depend on the result of Kolkata. If Punjab wins and Rajasthan loses, the net run rate can have a big impact. So Punjab may need not just a win but a win by a big margin.

Kolkata Knight Riders

The next match for Kolkata Knight Riders is a direct knockout match. Their match will be against Delhi Capitals and the losing team will almost be out of the tournament. Kolkata will get 15 points if they beat Delhi. But after that they have to expect the defeat of Rajasthan and Punjab. If Rajasthan reach 16 points with a win over Mumbai, Kolkata’s journey will come to an end. Also, if multiple teams reach 15 points, the final decision will be on net run rate. So KKR need a big win.

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals’ situation is considered to be the most difficult. Delhi will have to win against Kolkata by a big margin. After that both Rajasthan and Punjab must lose. Not only this, Delhi’s poor net run rate is also becoming a big problem for them.

Competing for the final playoff spot

Now the remaining few matches can completely change the picture of playoffs in IPL IPL 2026. Rajasthan has the biggest chance, but Punjab, Kolkata and Delhi are still in the race. Every ball, every run and net run rate will now be decisive. The next few days are going to be very exciting for cricket fans.

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