Ravichandran Ashwin picks his top 4 for IPL 2026 Playoffs (Image: ANI) Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his IPL 2026 predictions for the playoffs and outlined the difficult qualification path facing Chennai Super Kings after another dramatic move in the points table following Kolkata Knight Riders’ emphatic win over Delhi Capitals.KKR kept their playoff hopes alive with a dominant win as they chased down 143. Despite early wickets, Finn Allen and Cameron Green put on a brilliant innings, with Allen smashing his maiden IPL century to lead Kolkata to a comfortable victory. The result tightened an already crowded playoff race. Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to lead the table with 14 points from 11 matches, while Punjab Kings are second with 13 points from 10 matches. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals occupy the third and fourth positions with 12 points each. Gujarat Titans also remain firmly in contention with 12 points, although their negative net run rate could become a major concern later in the tournament. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings are sitting in sixth place with 10 points from 10 matches and still have some work to do to stay alive in the race.
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Why Suryakumar Yadav Will Lose India T20I Captaincy: Everything You Need To KnowTalking about the fight for the playoffs on his YT channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin predicted that SRH and RCB will almost certainly qualify, while Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are likely to compete for the remaining two spots.“SRH and RCB are confirmed. The other two playoff spots will be decided between GT, RR and PBKS,” Ashwin said.The veteran spinner also explained why CSK cannot afford any slumps in the remaining matches.“For CSK to qualify, they have to win all four remaining matches. They can’t leave it to chance. Even with 16 points, qualification will depend on RR losing three out of four, PBKS dropping points and CSK maintaining a strong NRR,” he added.Ashwin emphasized the importance of clean runs and highlighted Chennai’s upcoming matches against Lucknow Super Giants as potential turning points in their season.“That’s where net run rate becomes important. I feel if Chennai win both games against LSG, they won’t just qualify, they can go all the way, just like they did in 2010. Every game from here is a blockbuster.”
