IPL 2026 Playoffs Race Heats Up as SRH Chase Top-Two Finish

The IPL 2026 playoff race has become even more exciting after Gujarat Titans confirmed a top-two finish with a massive 89-run win over Chennai Super Kings on Thursday. With that result, one Qualifier 1 spot is still available, and the fight for the final playoff position is also wide open.

Now, all eyes are on the big clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Hyderabad. At the same time, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders are still battling for the fourth playoff spot.

All Net Run Rate calculations mentioned below are based on a first-innings score of 200.

SRH vs RCB: The Battle for Top Two

The biggest match of the week is between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 22 in Hyderabad.

SRH still has a chance to finish in the top two, but they need a huge win to make it happen.

For SRH to qualify for Qualifier 1, they must: win by at least 87 runs or chase the target in 11 overs or less

There is also a rare situation where SRH can take up to 11.3 overs if the winning runs come through a six after scores are level.

It is a difficult challenge, but in T20 cricket, anything is possible.

Rajasthan Royals Have Qualification in Their Own Hands

Rajasthan Royals will face Mumbai Indians on May 24. A win in this match will directly take RR into the playoffs.

However, if RR lose, then they will need other results to go in their favor.

RR can still qualify after a defeat if: Lucknow Super Giants beat Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals beat Kolkata Knight Riders. This means RR supporters will have to closely follow both matches.

How Punjab Kings Can Qualify?

Punjab Kings can qualify without depending on Net Run Rate if all three results below happen:

• PBKS beat LSG
• MI beat RR
• DC beat KKR

If these results happen together, Punjab Kings will seal a playoff spot comfortably. Kolkata Knight Riders Qualification Scenario. KKR also have a direct qualification path.

They can qualify if: LSG beat PBKS, MI beat RR and KKR beat DC

If all these results happen, KKR will move into the playoffs without any NRR calculations.

What Happens if RR Finishes on 14 and Both PBKS and KKR Win?

This is where Net Run Rate could become very important.

At the moment:

• PBKS NRR: +0.227
• KKR NRR: +0.011

Punjab Kings currently hold a clear advantage.

If PBKS beat LSG by 10 runs, their NRR will improve to +0.246.

For KKR to go ahead of PBKS in that situation, they would need to:

Beat DC by 61 runs or chase the target in 13.5 overs

That is a very difficult task, but still mathematically possible.

Can Delhi Capitals Still Qualify?

Delhi Capitals are technically still alive, but their chances are extremely low because of their poor Net Run Rate of -0.871.

There is one scenario where DC can finish tied on 14 points with RR while both PBKS and KKR end on 13 points. But even then, DC’s NRR puts them in a very weak position.

If MI beat RR by 100 runs, RR’s NRR would drop to -0.308. Even after that, DC would still need to beat KKR by at least 129 runs to qualify. That makes DC’s playoff hopes almost impossible.

                                               

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