The IPL 2026 playoff picture is tightening fast, with every round bringing fresh twists. After 54 of the 70 league matches were completed last week, two franchises—Mumbai Indians, five-time champions, and Lucknow Super Giants—were ruled out on the same day, Sunday, May 10. That double elimination has raised the stakes for the week ahead, with eight teams now scrambling for the four remaining berths in the playoffs.
Momentum begins with Punjab Kings, who will welcome Delhi Capitals to Dharamsala on Monday, May 11. PBKS are currently riding a three-match losing streak, but they are still sitting fourth in the standings and remain very much in contention. For Delhi, the situation is far more precarious: the Capitals are fighting for survival and cannot afford even a single misstep in their remaining three fixtures.
Tuesday’s spotlight falls on Ahmedabad, where Gujarat Titans take on Sunrisers Hyderabad. GT and SRH currently occupy third and second places respectively, so the clash carries serious weight for the race toward the top two. With both sides pressing for a higher finish, the contest is expected to be pivotal in shaping the final playoff order.
On Wednesday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru—top of the table and the defending champions—will host Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. Bengaluru will be looking to turn their momentum into a more secure position, while KKR will aim to disrupt their rhythm and keep their own playoff hopes firmly on track.
Thursday shifts back to Dharamsala, where Punjab Kings continue their playoff push against Mumbai Indians, who have already been eliminated. Friday then brings another high-interest matchup in Lucknow, with Lucknow Super Giants hosting Chennai Super Kings, both sides entering the game with plenty to play for despite LSG’s earlier elimination status. Later on Saturday, Kolkata Knight Riders face Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, rounding off a weekend packed with direct implications for the table.
The Sunday double-header promises even more drama. The first game sees Punjab Kings lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala, a fixture that could swing the top-two race significantly. In the evening session, Delhi Capitals will take on Rajasthan Royals at Delhi, with RR still searching for a path into the playoffs while DC will be desperate to protect their own standing.
IPL 2026 schedule for 11–17 May
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May 11 (Monday): Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 7:30 PM IST — Dharamsala
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May 12 (Tuesday): Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 7:30 PM IST — Ahmedabad
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May 13 (Wednesday): Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 7:30 PM IST — Raipur
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May 14 (Thursday): Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 7:30 PM IST — Dharamsala
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May 15 (Friday): Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings, 7:30 PM IST — Lucknow
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May 16 (Saturday): Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans, 7:30 PM IST — Kolkata
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May 17 (Sunday): Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 3:30 PM IST — Dharamsala
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May 17 (Sunday): Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals, 7:30 PM IST — Delhi
