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IPL 2026 has seen 55 games so far. That means there are 15 matches left for the league phase to end. All four Playoffs spots are still up for grabs. Eight teams are still left in contention. LSG and MI are out of the race so while they can’t make it, they can make life difficult for those trying to.

The top of the table belongs to RCB but only just. Rajat Patidar’s men lead with 14 points but only because of net run rate. SRH and GT who are 2nd and 3rd respectively, also have 14 points. So, it’s not just a matter of winning but winning well. The net run rate can come back to haunt you or help you in these critical junctures.

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PBKS under Shreyas Iyer have lost their way in the 2nd half of their campaign. They began well with six wins and one no-result in seven games. Not only were they table toppers but also the only ones unbeaten in IPL 2026. But it went from bad to worse as they lose four games on the trot to slip to 4th place. Thanks to their faltering, the door opened for CSK and RR who are 5th and 6th respectively, very much in contention to finish in the top four.

Meanwhile, DC with Axar Patel at the helm are barely hanging on for dear life at 7th place. Their situation is so bad that one more loss sees them out of the Playoffs race. In fact, even if they win all their remaining matches, they shall have to depend on other results and net run rate may also come into play. KKR, who are in 8th position, actually have a better cushion than DC, having won their last four games along with a no-result. That one extra point could prove crucial in the end.

The Playoffs Structure

Finishing in the top four is good but ending up in the top two is even better. This is because the odds of entering the final go up. The top two teams play Qualifier 1 and the winner directly enters the final. But the loser gets a 2nd chance. The 3rd and 4th teams play the Eliminator and the loser goes home. The winner of the Eliminator plays the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2. The winners of Qualifiers 1 and 2 face off in the final.

By May 24, we shall know who all are in the Playoffs. On May 29, we will be aware of the two finalists. On May 31, the IPL winner will lift the trophy. Shall we see a new champion or an old one? Let’s wait and watch!