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The competition for playoff spots in IPL 2026 is becoming increasingly fierce. Currently, the Punjab Kings, last year's runners-up, are at the top of the points table with 13 points from nine matches. Close behind them are the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, with 12 points. Both teams are striving hard to secure their playoff positions, but former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan predicts a new champion this season.

During an appearance on JioStar's 'TATA IPL: Out or Not Out', Pathan expressed confidence in the Punjab Kings' potential to clinch their first IPL title. He stated, "Punjab has a very good chance. They are playing impactful cricket and have a great combination. If Cooper Connolly starts bowling, which I feel is one piece missing in their bowling puzzle, because they are currently playing with just one spinner, they will be good to go. They have a fantastic Captain, their two openers are in tremendous form, and overall, the bowling unit also has quality."

Pathan also mentioned the Delhi Capitals as contenders for their first IPL trophy, noting, "Delhi also, I feel, is a good team. Things seem to be 50-50 for them right now, but I feel that the match against the Gujarat Titans will sting. It was a close game, and if they had won that, they would have been three in three at that point. Lucknow has a lot of work to do, but my eyes will be on Delhi and Punjab. If I had to pick one, it would be Punjab."

Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricketer and IPL icon, believes that RCB has the potential to defend their title in IPL 2026. He remarked, "I feel RCB can defend their title. The way they are playing, and how their bowling unit is operating, with Captain Rajat Patidar leading from the front, has been impressive. It is not just about scoring big 240-250 totals; everyone in the batting unit understands their roles."

Raina also expressed optimism for the Rajasthan Royals, suggesting they could win their first title since 2008. He commented, "I feel Rajasthan Royals are doing a few things right, 18 years after their first title. You start with their fearless opener, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Jofra Archer with the new ball, Ravi Bishnoi in the middle, and Riyan Parag leading the side. It is a young team, but they are playing a very watchable brand of cricket."

Additionally, Raina backed Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans to secure their second IPL trophy, stating, "There are also the Gujarat Titans, who are peaking at the right time. Rashid Khan has had a couple of good games, and Shubman Gill is playing with a higher strike rate. But I feel RCB has the biggest chance."