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New Delhi, 17 May 2026: The league stage of IPL 2026 is about to be completed. The final match of the league stage will be played on May 24, and only 11 matches are left. The number of matches is decreasing day by day, but eight teams are still in the race for the playoffs. Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are out, but the other 8 teams are still holding on to hope.

These last 11 matches will decide which four teams qualify for the playoffs. A look at the format will reveal that the top two teams will clash in the qualifiers. The team that wins the first qualifier will directly reach the final. The third and fourth ranked teams will play in the eliminator.

The winner of the eliminator and the losing team of the first qualifier will face off in the second qualifier, in which the winning team will get a place in the final. Eight teams still have a chance to reach the playoffs: Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Playoff race between 8 teams

RCB – Royal Challengers Bangalore has 16 points. If they win even one of the next two matches, they will be ready to qualify.

GT – Gujarat Titans are also in a similar situation like RCB. They have 16 points and two matches left. If they win even one of the next two matches, Gujarat will advance to the playoffs.

SRH – Sunrisers Hyderabad has 14 points in 12 matches. Normally, qualification is guaranteed with 16 points, but SRH will be able to advance to the playoffs regardless if they win their next two matches. They can also qualify for the playoffs with a single win, but in that case, they will have to rely on the results of their other matches.

PBKS – Punjab Kings have lost five consecutive matches. Currently they have 13 points and to secure qualification they will have to win the next two matches. If they win one of the next two matches, Punjab may be out of the tournament.

RR – Rajasthan Royals have three matches left, and if they win all three, then no one will be able to stop them from reaching the playoffs. Rajasthan is facing a situation where they will have to win two of their next three matches at any cost.

CSK – Chennai Super Kings are in a difficult situation. Currently they have 12 points and even if they win the next two matches, their chances will depend on the results of other matches.

DC – Delhi Capitals have 12 matches and 10 points from the remaining two matches. Even if they win both the matches, they will still have 14 points. Delhi’s exit is just a formality, as their chances of getting a place in the playoffs are less than one percent.

KKR – Kolkata Knight Riders are also in trouble. They have 9 points from 11 matches and can reach a maximum of 15 points. Even if they win their next three matches, KKR will have to rely on the results of their other matches.