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The Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans (RR vs GT) match result has added more twists to the play-offs race in the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
Ahead of tonight’s match, they were well situated in 4th place with 12 points and a positive run rate of +0.510. The defeat against the Gujarat Titans not only stunted two points from them, but it also dented their good-looking net run rate. As multiple teams are gearing up to intensify the last phase of the play-offs race, this defeat can prove fatal in the near future.
Can the Rajasthan Royals make their way into the Play-offs of IPL 2026?
Along with the points, the net run rate of the team, who are closing in on booking a berth in the top four, is going to be very crucial. Can the Rajasthan Royals still qualify for the next stage of IPL 2026 despite the defeat against the Gujarat Titans?
Mathematically, a total of 16 points is considered enough to be in the play-offs. Because of the competitive nature of the tournament, net run rates of the teams are also going to play a vital role. After the defeat, RR remains with 12 points and three more games to play, which will be against the Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and the Mumbai Indians. From these three matches, they can get a maximum of 6 points. And with his possible 6 points, they can accumulate a total of 18 points, a couple of points more than the 16-point mark.
RR is still at a favorable spot for the qualification
Historically, 16 points has been the benchmark for playoff qualification in the 10-team IPL era, achieved in the 2022, 2023, and 2025 seasons. The exception came in 2024, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru sneaked through with 14 points courtesy of a superior Net Run Rate.
According to the official website of the Rajasthan Royals, just a single win in the remainder of the fixtures, however, would take RR’s destiny out of their own hands. It would leave the Royals vulnerable at 14 points, requiring favourable results to go their way elsewhere and a strong Net Run Rate to stay ahead in what is expected to be a tightly packed table.
Another defeat can take them into a more complicated situation
From now on, it will be best for RR to win all of their remaining fixtures to stay above the benchmark point. One or a couple more defeats will put them in a complicated situation, which they will not want to experience.
Meanwhile, against the home team RR, GT scored 229 runs batting first in Jaipur. In reply, RR managed to score only 152 runs and allowed Shubman Gill’s team to win the match by a massive 77-run margin.
Rajasthan Royals’ remaining IPL 2026 fixtures
- May 17, Sunday: vs Delhi Capitals
- May 19, Tuesday: vs Lucknow Super Giants
- May 24, Sunday: vs Mumbai Indians
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