Top News

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar recently shared his thoughts on the nail-biting race for the playoffs in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), where several teams are still vying for a top-four finish. He pointed out that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) seem to be losing their edge as the regular season winds down, while the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gaining momentum just when it counts. 

At one point, PBKS had a fantastic start to the season, even topping the standings. However, they've hit a rough patch, suffering four consecutive losses, including a setback against the Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala. Bangar feels that Shreyas Iyer’s team needs to secure at least two wins from their last three matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. He also mentioned that the winner of the match between the Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad will likely be in a strong position for the playoffs. 

"This loss against Delhi has hurt Punjab’s chances of finishing in the top two. They were flying high at the start, but now the momentum has completely shifted. They need to find a way of winning at least two out of their three remaining games to stay in the hunt of qualifying for the knockouts. Today’s game between GT and SRH will be crucial. The winner will gain a clear edge in the playoff race. From here on, every match is getting tighter," Sanjay Bangar said on JioStar. 

Also Read | Who Is Madhav Tiwari? Rising DC Star Impresses In High-Pressure IPL Clash

On the flip side, KKR started at the bottom of the table but has turned things around dramatically, winning four games in a row and putting themselves back in the playoff conversation. Bangar expressed his admiration for the three-time champions' resurgence, suggesting that if they make it to the playoffs, it would be one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the tournament's history. 

"Rajasthan Royals are still in the hunt, and KKR are very much in the mix as well. KKR have won four matches in a row. Their team balance is looking solid. The spin attack has regained its bite, and the batting unit is firing consistently. They are peaking at the right time, which is what matters most in a long tournament. Teams that build momentum towards the business end often go deep into the playoffs. KKR are in a very good space right now. That’s why their playoff probability has gone up significantly. If they win their remaining four games, they will pull off one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history. From the bottom of the table to the top four, that would be a remarkable turnaround. It will take a special effort, but with the form they are in, it looks possible."

Currently, the top three teams RCB SRH and GT are all tied with 14 points, each having played 11 matches. PBKS is clinging to the fourth spot with 13 points. Meanwhile, CSK and RR are close behind with 12 points, while DC and KKR are trailing with 10 and 9 points, respectively. With eight teams still in contention, no one has secured a playoff spot yet as the IPL heads into its crucial final stretch.