The final available berth for the IPL 2026 playoffs is set to be decided on Sunday, with Punjab Kings taking a major step after captain Shreyas Iyer struck an unbeaten 101. Chasing a challenging total of 197, PBKS completed the chase in 18 overs against Lucknow Super Giants, turning their momentum into a crucial league boost. The victory lifted Punjab to 15 points from 14 matches, placing them fourth in the table at this stage. Lucknow, meanwhile, remain rooted at the bottom of the 10-team standings, having managed 8 points from 14 outings, with a net run rate of -0.740.
Punjab’s win also reshapes the wider picture for other contenders. Delhi Capitals are now out of the playoff race, finishing on 12 points, because they can only reach a maximum of 14 even if they win their final league match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. That means the remaining qualification debate is effectively narrowed to three teams: PBKS, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Playoff race equations with three teams still alive
Punjab Kings currently sit in fourth place. They are on 15 points from 14 matches, with a net run rate of +0.309. For PBKS to secure the spot, they will be watching the results around them. Their hopes hinge on Rajasthan Royals losing their last game against Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders dropping their match against Delhi Capitals. Even in the scenario where KKR manage to win, PBKS must not be overtaken by a large enough net run rate swing—KKR cannot win by a margin so dominant that their run rate climbs past Punjab’s.
Rajasthan Royals are positioned just behind with 14 points from 13 games and a net run rate of +0.083. For the side led by Riyan Parag, the path is straightforward: they must beat Mumbai Indians on Sunday afternoon. If that result goes their way, they would move into the playoffs as the fourth-best team, based on how the other match outcomes fall.
Kolkata Knight Riders are on 13 points from 13 matches, with a net run rate of +0.011. Their route to qualification begins with a favourable first condition: they need Rajasthan to lose to Mumbai Indians. After that, KKR’s second requirement is far tougher—they must defeat Delhi Capitals by a very big margin, ensuring the net run rate jump is enough to leapfrog Punjab Kings.
More updates are expected as the league finale approaches.
