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IPL 2026 Playoff Scenario: IPL 2026 has now reached its most exciting point. Two big matches played on Sunday completely changed the picture of the playoffs. On one hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) to secure their place in the playoffs, while on the other hand, Delhi Capitals (DC) kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR).

After these two matches, there has been a tremendous movement in the points table. Defending champions RCB have become the table topper with 18 points, while Punjab’s situation now looks very difficult.

RCB defeated PBKS in a high scoring match

In a high-scoring match played on Sunday (May 17) afternoon, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 23 runs and achieved the distinction of becoming the first team to enter the playoffs.

For Bengaluru, Virat Kohli once again played a brilliant inning of 58 runs while playing the responsibility in a big match. Whereas Venkatesh Iyer scored unbeaten 73 runs in a stormy style and took the team to a huge score of 222 runs.

Punjab team, which came to chase the target, got off to a good start, but RCB bowlers maintained the pressure and restricted PBKS to 199 runs. With this victory, Bengaluru not only secured the playoff ticket but also strengthened its claim to remain in the top-2. This match proved to be the 6th consecutive defeat for Punjab.

Delhi’s comeback, defeated Rajasthan by 5 wickets

In the evening match, Delhi Capitals breathed new life into the tournament by defeating Rajasthan Royals by 5 wickets.

Batting first, Rajasthan scored 193/8. Mitchell Starc played the most important role in preventing the team from crossing 200. Starc bowled brilliantly and took 4 wickets and did not give Rajasthan’s explosive batting a chance to play freely.

In reply, Delhi’s batsmen showed an excellent mix of restraint and aggression. Abhishek Porel played brilliant innings of 51 runs and KL Rahul played brilliant innings of 56 runs. Captain Akshar Patel played a swashbuckling cameo of 34 runs and led the team to victory.

After this win, Delhi now has 12 points in its account and the team has kept its playoff hopes alive.

Difficult path for PBKS, last match will be decisive

Now the situation has become very challenging for Punjab Kings. The team is definitely in fourth place with 13 points in 13 matches, but its net run rate is not very strong and now it has only one match left.

PBKS’s last league match will be against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 23. Lucknow is already out of the playoff race, but for Punjab this will prove to be a fight or die.

If Punjab loses this match, its playoff hopes will almost end. Even in case of victory, it may have to depend on the results of other teams.

What is the current position in the points table?

RCB has secured a place in the playoffs with 18 points. Gujarat Titans are in second place with 16 points, while Sunrisers Hyderabad remain in third place with 14 points.

Punjab Kings currently remain in fourth place with 13 points, but teams like Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals are still firmly in the race for the playoffs. In such a situation, the CSK vs SRH match to be held in Chepauk on Monday evening can bring a big upset in the points table. The results of the upcoming matches can completely change the picture of the playoffs.

IPL 2026 Points Table (till 62nd match)

Q = Qualified (Qualified for playoffs)
E = Eliminated (out of playoff race)