Eight IPL teams remain in playoff contention with 15 matches remaining in the 2026 season, and no team has secured a spot yet.
With 15 matches remaining in IPL 2026, Punjab Kings have seen their playoff hopes clouded despite an early surge. After winning seven games without a loss, they now face four defeats in a row, dropping them to fourth on the points table. Their current tally stands at 13 points with a net run rate of 0.428, leaving their qualification fate hanging by a thread.
Punjab Kings still have three games left, including home matches against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as well as an away fixture against Lucknow Super Giants. Two of these encounters are against already eliminated teams, which could swing either way since those sides have nothing to gain.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved to the top of the standings after a last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians, boosting their points to 14 with a net run rate of 1.103.
Despite this, Royal Challengers Bengaluru still need two more wins to feel secure in qualification, as four other teams could overtake them if they finish with 16 points. In an extreme case, five teams could finish with 18 or more points.
However, their superior net run rate makes it highly likely they will qualify even with 18 points. Their remaining fixtures include home matches against Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, plus an away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have won six of their last seven games, pushing their points to 14 and net run rate to 0.737.
If they beat Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, they could reach 16 points, but they still won’t be guaranteed a playoff spot as four teams could finish above them.
A scenario where Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals win all remaining games, alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans securing two out of three wins, could see five teams finish with 18 or more points. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s net run rate is the second-best in the league, which could prove crucial in tie-breakers.
Chennai Super Kings have turned their season around after losing their first three matches, winning six of their last eight.
Their current points stand at 12 with a net run rate of 0.185. To secure a top-four finish, they need a win in their next match and defeats in their final two games, alongside Punjab Kings losing all three remaining matches and Rajasthan Royals winning no more than one.
Even with 16 points, Chennai Super Kings may not be safe, as four other teams could finish above them. Eighteen points would likely guarantee qualification, given the competitive nature of the remaining fixtures.
Rajasthan Royals have struggled in their last seven matches, losing five, which has dropped them from third to sixth place despite still having 12 points.
Their net run rate stands at 0.082, and their remaining fixtures include away games against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, plus a home match against Lucknow Super Giants.
With three wins needed to reach 18 points, their qualification could hinge on net run rate if multiple teams finish tied. Their schedule intensifies with back-to-back games against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants over three days at different venues.
Kolkata Knight Riders have turned their recent form around, winning their last four matches after a shaky start at Eden Gardens.
Their remaining three games are all at home, which could work in their favor. Previously, they had won only one out of four matches at their home ground, including a washout.
Their climb back into contention depends on capitalizing on their final fixtures, as they fight to secure a playoff spot amidst tight competition.
Delhi Capitals remain in the playoff race after a victory over Punjab Kings, lifting their points to 10 with a net run rate of -0.993.
Their path to qualification requires winning their final two matches by large margins to reach 14 points, followed by favorable outcomes in other games.
Their weak net run rate poses a significant challenge, being the lowest among all teams. Delhi Capitals will face Rajasthan Royals at home before concluding their league stage with an away game against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 24.
If both teams are still in contention by then, the final league match could deliver unexpected twists.