IPL 2026 is set to reach its final stretch of the league phase, with only one franchise having already booked a place in the playoffs and two teams having been knocked out. With eight matches left in the season, seven sides remain in contention for a top-four finish as the points race intensifies over the coming week.
IPL 2026 final-week fixtures (18–24 May)
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Monday, 18 May: Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 7:30 PM IST at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
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Tuesday, 19 May: Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants — 7:30 PM IST at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. RR will be looking to turn the tide after three successive losses.
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Wednesday, 20 May: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians — 7:30 PM IST at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. KKR face an already eliminated opponent.
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Thursday, 21 May: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings — 7:30 PM IST at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. CSK will be chasing a crucial result away from home.
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Friday, 22 May: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 7:30 PM IST at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. SRH take on the only side already qualified for the next stage.
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Saturday, 23 May: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings — 7:30 PM IST at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Punjab Kings will need a major turnaround after six straight defeats.
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Sunday, 24 May (double-header): Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals — 3:30 PM IST at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
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Sunday, 24 May: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals — 7:30 PM IST at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This is the season’s final league match for the two teams.
In the week’s opening match, Chennai will play their last home league game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday. Tuesday’s action begins in Jaipur, where Rajasthan Royals host Lucknow Super Giants, aiming to restart their playoff push after three consecutive defeats. On Wednesday, Kolkata Knight Riders will host Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens.
Thursday brings a shift to Ahmedabad, with CSK traveling to take on almost-qualified Gujarat Titans. Friday features Sunrisers Hyderabad welcoming Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Hyderabad, with RCB already assured of qualification. Saturday sees Punjab Kings travel to Lucknow to face Lucknow Super Giants, with PBKS needing a near-miracle after enduring a run of six defeats.
The league phase concludes with back-to-back games on Sunday: Mumbai Indians take on Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium, followed later by Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Delhi Capitals in the final match of the season’s league schedule at Eden Gardens.
