RCB became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs with 18 points from 13 matches Sunrisers Hyderabad sealed their and GT's playoff berth after

The race for the final IPL playoff spot intensifies with five teams vying for one berth. Rajasthan Royals are best positioned, needing just one win, while Punjab Kings control their destiny. Kolkata Knight Riders,

With just seven league-stage matches, two franchises have already been knocked out, while the remaining teams are still battling through complicated qualification scenarios and playoff equations.

For CSK, qualification is no longer entirely in their own hands. They need a win over the Gujarat Titans and favourable outcomes elsewhere to stay in contention.

The IPL 2026 playoff race has entered its most exciting stage after Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad officially secured their places in the top four. With three playoff spots now confirmed,

Punjab Kings remain slightly ahead in the pack thanks to an earlier washout that gave them a valuable extra point. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru currently hold the best net run rate in the competition (+1.420), putting them in a strong position. If they maintain their form, RCB look well-placed to push for a top-two finish.

While champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team assured of a berth on Sunday, 18 May, as many as seven teams (you read that right) are still in with a mathematical chance of bagging the final three spots.

Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 playoff hopes hinge on the Punjab Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru match. An RCB victory would simplify CSK's path to qualification, allowing them to control their destiny by winning their remaining two games.

IPL 2026 Playoffs Scenario: The IPL 2026 Playoffs race has entered a thrilling final phase with just one qualification spot officially sealed so far. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to confirm their place in the next round after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru held their nerve and survived a late onslaught to edge out Punjab Kings by 23 runs to become the first team to secure an IPL playoffs berth with an all-round performance he