With 15 fixtures remaining in IPL 2026, two sides have already exited the race for the playoffs. Still, eight franchises remain mathematically alive, and none of them has truly wrapped up a top-four berth. Here’s how the qualification picture looks for each of those eight teams, based on their current standings and the matches left on the calendar.
Punjab Kings
Played: 11, Points: 13, NRR: 0.428
Remaining matches: MI (h), RCB (h), LSG (a)
Four straight losses after a stretch of seven matches without defeat is certainly not the sort of momentum PBKS supporters would have predicted. Those setbacks have pushed them down to fourth in the standings, but the risk of missing out is now very real despite how shockingly positive their campaign started.
At the moment, Punjab can still book a place in the playoffs even if they finish on 13 points, potentially without relying on their net run rate, provided other results fall their way. However, it’s equally plausible that they could be eliminated on 17 points, since four other teams still have a route to surpass that mark.
Two of PBKS’ final three games are against franchises that have already been knocked out. While that might appear to be a boost, those teams have little to lose, and the outcome could swing either direction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Played: 11, Points: 14, NRR: 1.103
Remaining matches: KKR (h), PBKS (a), SRH (a)
The last-ball triumph over MI on Sunday has propelled RCB to the summit of the table, yet they still need two more wins to be close to guaranteed a playoff spot. The reason is simple: four other teams can still overtake them if they end the league stage on 16 points. In an even more extreme case, as many as five teams could finish with 18 points or more. That said, RCB’s net run rate of 1.103 is by far the best in the competition, making qualification on 18 points highly likely.
Two of RCB’s remaining three fixtures come against teams inside the top four, although PBKS are currently sliding. Their other match is against KKR, a side that sits eighth but remains very much in the mix for a playoff position.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Played: 11, Points: 14, NRR: 0.737
Remaining matches: GT (a), CSK (a), RCB (h)
Sunrisers are riding a strong run, having won six of their previous seven matches. Even so, they won’t be assured of qualification solely by beating GT on Tuesday and moving to 16 points, because four teams could still surpass that total. On the flip side, their current haul of 14 points could still be enough if results across the league swing in their favour.
If PBKS and RR win their remaining matches, and both RCB and GT manage two wins from their last three, then five teams—including SRH—could end up with 18 points or more. SRH’s net run rate currently stands at 0.737, which is comfortably second only to RCB, and that figure could prove decisive either for securing a qualification spot or for finishing inside the top two.
Gujarat Titans
Played: 11, Points: 14, NRR: 0.228
Remaining matches: SRH (h), KKR (a), CSK (h)
Like RCB and SRH, Gujarat Titans are also sitting on 14 points with three matches left. Their path is similar: GT can qualify with 14, but they are not completely assured of reaching the top four even if 18 points become the threshold. The encouraging element for them is form—GT have won each of their last four games—and they will play two of their remaining three matches at home.
Chennai Super Kings
Played: 11, Points: 12, NRR: 0.185
Remaining matches: LSG (a), SRH (h), GT (a)
After losing their opening three matches, CSK have since found momentum, winning six of their last eight. A win in their next game, followed by losses in their final two fixtures, might be sufficient for a top-four finish only if multiple other results go their way. That includes PBKS losing all three of their remaining matches and RR winning no more than one more game.
Even then, CSK may discover that 16 points is not automatically enough, because four teams could still end above that mark. Qualification would be guaranteed on 18 points, since the other sides still in contention are also competing directly against one another—meaning they cannot all finish on 18 or more together.
Rajasthan Royals
Played: 11, Points: 12, NRR: 0.082
Remaining matches: DC (a), LSG (h), MI (a)
RR’s form has clearly dipped, with five defeats in their last seven matches. Long breaks between games have also allowed several teams to leapfrog them in the table. A couple of weeks ago, after their ninth match, they were positioned nicely in third with 12 points (though they had played one more game than others). Since then, they’ve slipped to sixth and are now fighting hard just to stay alive.
As with other teams, qualification on 14 points is still possible, but only if a chain of results falls into place. Even if RR win three more times to reach 18 points, it could still come down to net run rate. Their remaining fixtures are against sides currently placed in the bottom four, including two teams that have already been eliminated, which could offer some encouragement. The schedule will also intensify quickly after their unusually relaxed run, as they play DC and LSG across three days—May 17 and 19—at separate venues (Delhi and Jaipur).
Kolkata Knight Riders
Played: 10, Points: 9, NRR: -0.169
Remaining matches: RCB (a), GT (h), MI (h), DC (h)
KKR are the only team that has played fewer than 11 matches, which means they still have eight points available to chase. If they win all four remaining matches and finish with 17 points, they will be in a strong position to qualify, though not guaranteed—because four other teams could also reach 17 or more. Reaching qualification with 13 points looks extremely unlikely, and would only happen if circumstances align perfectly for them.
The encouraging part for KKR is that their last three games are at home. So far at Eden Gardens, they’ve managed only one win in four matches (including a washout). However, that record came before their current surge, and they have now won their last four matches.
Delhi Capitals
Played: 12, Points: 10, NRR: -0.993
Remaining matches: RR (h), KKR (a)
Delhi’s win over PBKS keeps them in the hunt, even if the margin for error is tiny. Their path is straightforward: win their final two matches as convincingly as possible to reach 14 points, then rely on several other results to go their way. Unfortunately for them, their net run rate is a major concern—at -0.993, it is the worst in the entire tournament.
DC will play the last match of the league stage, facing KKR at Eden Gardens on May 24. If either side still has something to play for by the time that final league fixture arrives, the closing stretch over the next 12 days could deliver plenty of major twists.
