The IPL 2026 playoff race is gathering pace this week, with the league already having completed 29 matches by April 20. Punjab Kings sit top of the standings at this stage as the only side yet to taste defeat, having collected five wins and one no result from their first six games. With several teams pressing hard from close behind, nine more high-impact fixtures are set to reshape the points table between April 20 and April 26.
Standings pressure and what’s at stake this week
After a strong start, Punjab Kings will be watching the rest of the field closely as rivals look to convert momentum into points. Meanwhile, teams outside the top positions will be targeting key results across the week, including multiple match-ups involving current playoff contenders and sides trying to arrest a slump.
- Punjab Kings remain unbeaten after six games, with five wins plus one no result.
- Twenty-nine IPL 2026 matches have already been completed, and the contest for playoff spots is intensifying.
- Nine crucial matches are scheduled from April 20 to April 26, promising further movement in the table.
Match-by-match: clashes, venues and scheduling (April 20–26)
The action begins on Monday with Gujarat Titans taking on Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad. Gujarat arrive in rhythm after a hat-trick of wins, while Mumbai are struggling after four consecutive defeats following an opening win.
Tuesday brings a home fixture for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Delhi Capitals, with Hyderabad currently placed fourth and Delhi fifth. Midweek sees Lucknow Super Giants host Rajasthan Royals at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday.
Thursday is a marquee night at Wankhede, where Mumbai Indians host Chennai Super Kings as the former look to revive their campaign. On Friday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru welcome Gujarat Titans to Bengaluru.
The weekend is stacked with back-to-back double-header days. Saturday features Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings followed by Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sunday continues the momentum with Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders.
- April 20 (Monday): Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians — 7:30 PM IST — Ahmedabad.
- April 21 (Tuesday): Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals — 7:30 PM IST — Hyderabad.
- April 22 (Wednesday): Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals — 7:30 PM IST — Lucknow.
- April 23 (Thursday): Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings — 7:30 PM IST — Mumbai.
- April 24 (Friday): Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans — 7:30 PM IST — Bengaluru.
- April 25 (Saturday): Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings — 3:30 PM IST — Delhi.
- April 25 (Saturday): Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 7:30 PM IST — Jaipur.
- April 26 (Sunday): Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans — 3:30 PM IST — Chennai.
- April 26 (Sunday): Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 7:30 PM IST — Lucknow.
Key form lines heading into the week
Several fixtures stand out not just for their match-ups, but also for the momentum each team carries. Gujarat’s current run of results sets up a tough opening test for Mumbai, while Hyderabad and Delhi clash in a battle between two sides positioned close together in the top half.
- Gujarat Titans enter the week on the back of a hat-trick of wins.
- Mumbai Indians have lost four straight matches after beginning the season with a win.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad are placed fourth, while Delhi Capitals are fifth ahead of their meeting on Tuesday.
- Punjab Kings will take on Delhi Capitals on Saturday as the league leader and the only unbeaten team at this point.
Full IPL 2026 schedule for April 20–26 (results not listed)
Here is the complete match list for IPL 2026 this week, including dates, match start times in IST, and venues:
- April 20 (Monday): Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians — 7:30 PM IST — Ahmedabad.
- April 21 (Tuesday): Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals — 7:30 PM IST — Hyderabad.
- April 22 (Wednesday): Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals — 7:30 PM IST — Lucknow.
- April 23 (Thursday): Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings — 7:30 PM IST — Mumbai.
- April 24 (Friday): Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans — 7:30 PM IST — Bengaluru.
- April 25 (Saturday): Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings — 3:30 PM IST — Delhi.
- April 25 (Saturday): Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 7:30 PM IST — Jaipur.
- April 26 (Sunday): Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans — 3:30 PM IST — Chennai.
- April 26 (Sunday): Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 7:30 PM IST — Lucknow.
The points table and individual races—including the Orange Cap and Purple Cap—are set for another shake-up as this week’s slate unfolds.
