With only four group-stage fixtures left for most sides in IPL 2026, the race for the playoffs is sharpening fast. Even so, no franchise has officially booked a place in the knockout rounds. At present, Sunrisers Hyderabad lead the standings on 14 points, setting the benchmark for the chasing pack.
Quick facts: IPL 2026 points table
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: 14 points (top)
- Punjab Kings: 13 points
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 12 points
- Rajasthan Royals: 12 points
- Gujarat Titans: 12 points
- Chennai Super Kings: 10 points
- Kolkata Knight Riders: 9 points
- Delhi Capitals: 8 points
- Mumbai Indians: 6 points
- Lucknow Super Giants: 6 points
Punjab Kings sit just behind on 13 points, while three teams—Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans—are locked together with 12 points apiece. Chennai Super Kings have 10 points, with Kolkata Knight Riders on 9 and Delhi Capitals on 8. The bottom of the table is led by Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both on six points.
Ashwin’s playoff forecast
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes SRH and RCB are close to assured qualification. In his view, the remaining two playoff slots are set to be contested most intensely by Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
“SRH and RCB are pakka confirmed. Between GT, RR and PBKS, the other two playoff spots will be decided,” Ashwin said. His confidence frames a scenario where the top two are already effectively in the mix, while the middle group fights for the final places.
Ashwin also reflected on his connection to Chennai Super Kings, noting that he began his IPL career with the franchise and that his most recent IPL stint was also with CSK. That personal link adds weight to his assessment of what the defending campaigners need to do from here.
“For CSK to qualify, they must win all four remaining matches. They can’t leave it to chance,” he said. He stressed that even reaching 16 points may not be enough automatically, with qualification likely hinging on how the other title contenders perform—particularly results involving Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, along with CSK protecting their net run rate.
“Even with 16 points, qualification will depend on RR losing three out of four, PBKS dropping points and CSK maintaining a strong NRR,” Ashwin added. He singled out net run rate as the key separator, especially in a tight race where small swings can decide final positions.
“That’s where net run rate becomes important. I feel if Chennai win both matches against LSG, they won’t just qualify, they could go all the way, just like in 2010. Every match from here is a blockbuster,” he concluded.
