The 2026 IPL playoff picture is starting to emerge with only 24 games having been played; however no team has been knocked out just yet.
Top four teams will go on to play in the playoffs and sides are aiming for the benchmark 14 point total, a value generally enough to clinch a playoff berth.
Right now, Punjab Kings is at the top while, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals are tied at the top of the league table on 8 points. Those at the bottom of the table can still still mathematically qualify, however their routes forward seem a little more uphill.
IPL 2026 Playoff Scenarios: Qualification Chances of All 10 Teams After Match 23
Punjab Kings
Top of the table with 9 points from 5 matches, the Punjab Kings are the only side not to have lost a game as of yet. The Kings have the chance to achieve a maximum of 27 points with 9 games remaining and their superior net run rate will be of good use to them later in the campaign.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Secon on the table at the moment with 8 points from 5 matches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru appear to be a side capable of at least finishing in the top two, meaning that they get a second opportunity at making the final. They still have 9 matches left to play and a potential maximum of 26 points, therefore will likely be a safe bet to reach the playoff stages
Rajasthan Royals
Like RCB, Rajasthan Royals are sitting at the top of the table on 8 points and with 9 matches remaining, also stand a strong chance of finishing in the top four. Their good form makes them very strong contenders in the chase to make the playoff stages.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Sunrisers Hyderabad currently lie in the playoff stages with 4 points. The side are far from convincing and with 9 matches to go still have a chance of scoring a potential 22 points.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals are fifth on the table with 4 points and still very much in contention. They will probably require at least 5 wins out of the 10 games left to reach a target of 14 points. The net run rate is also positive so can play a huge part.
Gujarat Titans
In the same situation as the Capitals with 4 points. Similarly, they will probably require at least 5 wins out of the 10 games left to keep themselves in the hunt. The negative run rate is a worry.
Lucknow Super Giants
With 4 points in 5 games, and on seventh, Lucknow need to win at least 5 of their remaining 9 games to have a competitive final points total. Again, run rate is very concerning.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings are currently placed 8th in the table with 4 pointsn and they also need to win about 5 of the 9 remaining games. With a negative net run rate this adds another aspect for them to win big.
Mumbai Indians
Placed ninth with just 2 points in 5 matches, Mumbai Indians need a minimum of 6 out of the 9 games left to win, so still well in the running, though their chance to make mistakes is incredibly slim.
Kolkata Knight Riders
At the very bottom on 1 point out of 5 games, they really do have a lot to do. They will likely need at least 7 out of 9 remaining games to secure 14 points, meaning all games are crucial. Even a single defeat here will eliminate them out of the race of placeoffs.
As of now no teams have been eliminated, but it really is going down to the wire. More than half the league still left to play, and IPL 2026 is wide open.