IPL playoff scenario: How Kolkata Knight Riders can still seal the 4th spot

Kolkata Knight Riders continued their impressive revival in IPL 2026 after defeating Mumbai Indians by four wickets at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday, May 20. After starting their campaign without a win in their first six games, the three-time champions have now won six of their last seven games.

KKR vs MI: Highlights | Scorecard

With a win over Mumbai, KKR kept their playoff hopes alivemoving up 13 points with a net rate of +0.011. Currently sixth in the standings, the Knight Riders remain firmly in contention for a top-four finish. They are fighting for the final spot in the playoffs along with Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings.

KKR will next face Delhi Capitals in their final league match on Sunday, May 24 at the Eden Gardens. While the Knight Riders still have a real chance to qualify for the playoffs, their fate is no longer entirely in their own hands.

Here’s how Kolkata Knight Riders can qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs

Scenario 1: Beat Delhi Capitals

If Kolkata beat Delhi in their last league match, they will finish with 15 points, but qualification will still not be guaranteed. Rajasthan Royals can move ahead with 16 points while Punjab Kings could also reach 15 points and potentially overtake Kolkata on a clean sweep.

Scenario 2: Lose to Delhi Capitals

If Kolkata lose to Delhi, they will end up on 13 points and out of the competition.

Scenario 3: No result

If their last game is abandoned due to rain or any other reason, Kolkata will finish on 14 points and then depend on other results to stay in contention.

Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals can still move ahead on points, while Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings could also finish on 14 points and eliminate Kolkata on a clean sweep.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

May 21, 2026 0:47 AM IST