One step behind, RCB claimed pole position in IPL 2026 when Sunrisers Hyderabad missed their chance at number one. Third place went to SRH despite matching point totals. Sitting right in the middle, Gujarat Titans found themselves level on 18 too. Difference makers? Net run rates shifted everything. Because of that, Bangalore kept the lead. Down by a narrow margin, Hyderabad settled for third. All even on paper, yet rankings split them apart.
One playoff position remains up for grabs, with four sides still in it on paper. Sitting at number four, Rajasthan Royals hold 14 points after 13 games so far. Punjab Kings keep pace despite setbacks, staying within reach. Kolkata Knight Riders remain close behind thanks to recent results. Delhi Capitals cling on too, even if their path narrowed lately. Just three regular season fixtures left to settle everything.
Now that every playoff team is locked in, eyes turn toward knockout drama – hopes high, each chasing another moment of shine. Yet Gujarat Titans stand out, tipped strong by an intriguing twist in the points chart.
GT top pick for IPL 2026?
Most teams ending up second on the IPL 2026 standings tend to take home the trophy, looking at past numbers. Since 2011, when playoffs began, nearly every alternate season has seen a runner-up in points rise as champion. Through 15 campaigns, those ranked below the top spot succeeded nine times. The team out front managed victory just five times instead.
Back in 2016, something unusual happened. Sunrisers Hyderabad placed third yet took home the trophy. That season stands alone. Since the current setup began, never has a fourth-place side claimed victory. Finishing at number four blocks the path every single time.
One victory came from a team placed first during the league phase. A second title emerged when the runners-up advanced all the way. Third spot delivered one champion against expectations. Another winner rose from fourth position in the standings
One team sat at number one five separate occasions
Team finishing second: nine occasions
One spot ahead sits the third place squad, landing here just once
Fourth place holder brings nothing to the table instead
Last year, RCB grabbed it while sitting second. From behind they came, finishing strong when others slowed down
RCB clinched the IPL title last season, rising from second place. Atop the chart sat Punjab Kings, edging past RCB by net run rate even though both had nineteen points. Winning through Qualifier 1 opened the path. Another showdown with PBKS came in the final match. There, after eighteen years, victory finally arrived.
Top of the chart in 2011, RCB still fell short when Chennai Super Kings took the title. After a strong run landing them second by season’s end in 2016, victory against Gujarat Lions sent them into the decider without delay – this time undone by SRH when it mattered most.
