With five games remaining in the IPL 2026 league stage, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have already been eliminated from playoff contention. In contrast, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have secured their spots. Rajasthan Royals (RR) are best positioned among the remaining contenders, followed by Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are still mathematically in the race, but face steep odds. With 32 possible result combinations, nothing is certain for any of the five teams still vying for qualification.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR must beat MI in their final match to guarantee a playoff spot. A victory could lead to a three-way tie for second place (if SRH and GT lose their final games) or a tie for third with either SRH or GT. If RR loses to MI, they must hope PBKS does not defeat LSG.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS needs to beat LSG to keep their hopes alive. Even with a win, they require MI to defeat RR. If both results occur, the outcome of the KKR-DC match will determine whether PBKS finishes sole fourth or tied for fourth with KKR.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR must defeat DC, but that alone is insufficient. They also need MI to beat RR. If that happens, the PBKS-LSG game will decide if KKR finishes sole fourth or tied with PBKS.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC not only needs to beat KKR but also requires two other results: LSG defeating PBKS and MI beating RR. Even then, they would tie for fourth with either RR or KKR and CSK. Their significantly worse net run rate makes qualification seem merely theoretical.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK's situation is even more dependent on external results. They must beat GT and hope for three other outcomes: LSG beating PBKS, MI beating RR, and DC beating KKR. If all these happen, CSK would tie for fourth with RR and DC. Their net run rate is worse than RR's but better than DC's.
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