The IPL 2026 playoff race has become absolutely crazy after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a dramatic last-ball win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Raipur on Sunday (May 10).
At one moment, it looked like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could face another heartbreaking defeat, but the defending champions somehow managed to score 15 runs in the final over and snatch victory from the Mumbai Indians’ hands.
Key Points
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved to the top of the IPL 2026 points table after beating Mumbai Indians.
- Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have officially been eliminated from the playoff race.
- RCB, SRH, GT and PBKS are currently in the strongest position to qualify for the playoffs.
- CSK, RR, KKR and DC are still alive but facing tougher qualification scenarios.
IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenario
That thrilling win not only pushed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the top of the IPL 2026 points table but also officially knocked Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) out of the tournament. RCB now has 14 points from 11 matches and leads the table with an NRR of +1.103.
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Now, with only a few crucial league-stage matches left, the battle for the IPL 2026 playoff spots has become more intense than ever. Eight teams are still alive in the race, but every match from here could completely shake the points table, with Net Run Rate going to decide who survives.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are currently sitting comfortably at the top with 14 points from 11 matches and a strong net run rate of +1.103. RCB now need one more win from their remaining three games to almost guarantee them a playoff spot.
However, they must be targeting finishing in the top two on the table. If RCB manages to finish in the top-2, they will get two chances to reach the finals through the qualifiers.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad remain one of the strongest contenders for the playoffs. The SRH also have 14 points from 11 games, but their Net Run Rate (+0.737) is slightly lower than RCB’s. Now, Sunrisers Hyderabad need to win two out of their remaining three games to seal their playoff spot.
SRH’s upcoming IPL 2026 clash against RCB on May 22 in Hyderabad could become one of the biggest matches of the season, as it will not only decide their playoff fate but also their hopes of a top-2 finish.
Gujarat Titans
The Gujarat Titans are also tied on 14 points from 11 games, but their net run rate of +0.228 doesn’t allow them to feel safe at this stage. GT still needs at least two more wins from their remaining three games to make it to the top four this season.
The Gujarat Titans‘ next game against SRH on May 12 could decide the future of both teams in the playoff race. The result of this match would put one of the two teams in a tough spot where they couldn’t afford a single win in the tournament anymore.
Punjab Kings
The Punjab Kings are sitting in a very strong position. They have already collected 13 points from only 10 matches, which means they still have an extra game left compared to RCB, GT, and SRH. Two wins from their remaining four matches should comfortably take them into the playoffs. If PBKS manage to win three games, they would certainly finish in the top 2 on the table.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings are facing serious pressure despite their five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in their latest game at home. CSK are currently sitting fifth on the points table with 12 points from 11 games and a net run rate of +0.185.
They now need at least two wins from their last three league games to qualify for the playoffs. But CSK’s net run rate is not very strong, so even 16 points may not fully guarantee qualification. So, Chennai Super Kings would look to win all three remaining matches.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals have the same equation like CSK. They also have 12 points, but their recent poor performances have badly hurt their Net Run Rate (+0.082). RR needs at least two big wins to book the playoff spot. They could directly fight CSK for the fourth playoff spot, given the current situation.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders still have a small chance, but they now need to win all four of their remaining matches. Even one defeat could almost end KKK’s IPL 2026 playoff hopes. The seventh-placed KKR have 9 points from 10 games so far with the negative net run rate.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals are still mathematically alive, but their chances are extremely slim, having lost 8 of their 11 games, and then their big negative net run rate will not help them at all.
DC needs to win every remaining game and also improve their terrible net run rate. Along with that, the Capitals need several other match results to go in their favor.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have officially been eliminated from the IPL playoff race after RCB’s dramatic victory in Raipur.
Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants have officially been eliminated from the IPL playoff race after CSK’s close victory in Chennai.
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