IPL 2026 playoff race: What PBKS, CSK, DC and KKR need to do to clinch final qualification spot after RR win

ByTech Word News

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer (L), RR captain Riyan Parag (C) and KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane (R) Three playoff spots are already secured for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad. But the fight for the final position is still alive, with six league games remaining.While Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are already out, five teams remain mathematically alive – Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.Here’s what each of them needs from here.

Rajasthan Royals: One win should be enough

RR moved into pole position after climbing to 14 points from 13 matches. They are currently the fourth with a slightly positive net pace and have the clearest advantage among the teams still chasing the last playoff spot.Remaining equipment:The equation is straightforward for RR. A win against MI will take them to 16 points and completely seal the final spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs. Timing also helps RR. When they play MI on May 24 afternoon, they will already know the results of KKR vs MI, GT vs CSK, SRH vs RCB and LSG vs PBKS. This means RR can walk into the Wankhede and know exactly what target they need.The ideal RR scenario is:

  • KKR lose to MI
    CSK loses to GT
    PBKS loses to LSG

If all three occur, RR qualify even before taking the field against MI.The only thing RR would like to avoid is a crowded 14-point draw involving DC and CSK. Their NRR is only marginally positive at the moment, so a heavy defeat to MI could still drag them into trouble if a few teams finish level.But among all the teams that are still alive, RR remains at the top as they control their own destiny.

Punjab Kings: Must beat LSG and hope others stumble

With five straight defeats, PBKS slipped at a bad time, but they are still alive.Remaining equipment:The win over LSG moves PBKS to 15 points. That number could still be good enough for fourth place, but only if results elsewhere fall in their favor.The biggest match for PBKS before they play is KKR vs MI. If KKR lose this game, one direct challenger will fall out of the way. PBKS would also want GT to beat CSK as a CSK win would take them to 14, ahead of PBKS before their last match, adding to the pressure on Shreyas Iyer’s outfit.The ideal PBKS scenario is:

  • KKR lose to MI
  • CSK loses to GT
  • RR lose to MI
  • DC lost to KKR

However, if RR wins over MI on Saturday, the result of PBKS vs LSG will become redundant as RR will replace PBKS with 16 points and secure the final spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings: Need a win and a lot of help

CSK are still alive mathematically, but they probably left themselves with too much work to do at the start of the season.Remaining equipment:The win over GT moves CSK to 14 points. But even so, qualification is unlikely unless there are a few more results.The first thing CSK needs is a KKR defeat against MI. If KKR win both games, they can reach 15 and advance. ČSK would also like PBKS to lose to LSG, because otherwise PBKS can reach 15th.Most importantly, CSK would need RR to lose to MI. If RR win and move to 16, the last playoff spots are effectively gone.CSK’s ideal scenario is:

  • Defeat GT convincingly to improve NRR
  • KKR have lost at least one match
  • PBKS loses to LSG
  • RR lose to MI
  • DC lost to KKR

Even after that, CSK could end up on 14 points with RR, which means NRR becomes the decider.The challenge for ČSK is that their NRR is currently slightly negative. So if qualifying boils down to a multi-team tie in 14, they may need a big win over GT.Their chances are slim, but not impossible.

Delhi Capitals: need one win, and even that might not be enough

DC have one game remaining, which puts them on track for 14 points. But their low net speed means they have little room for error.Remaining accessories:The biggest problem for DC is their -0.871 NRR, by far the worst among contenders. This means that a tie is dangerous.The ideal DC scenario is:

  • KKR lose to MI
  • RR lose to MI
  • PBKS loses to LSG
  • DC beat KKR by a huge margin

In this scenario, the last league match between KKR and DC effectively turns into a knockout. The loser is out while the winner goes forward.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Must win both and still depend on others

KKR probably have the toughest route among the realistic contenders.Remaining accessories:KKR have 11 points from 12 matches. Winning both games takes them to 15, which keeps them alive.KKR’s ideal scenario is:

  • Beat MI
  • Beat DC
  • GT defeated CSK
  • LSG defeated PBKS
  • RR lose to MI

If all these results happen, KKR can sneak away with 15 points.The problem for KKR is that even after winning both games, they may still be vulnerable if RR get to 16 or PBKS to 15 with a better NRR.

Do you believe Chennai Super Kings can still qualify for the playoffs?

Their NRR is also only slightly negative, so they can’t afford close wins. A dominant win over MI could significantly improve their position ahead of the final day clash with DC.The positive for KKR is planning. They play once before RR play MI which means they can keep the pressure on and put RR in a must win situation.