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IPL 2026 Playoff Race: Indian Premier League 2026 has now reached its most exciting stage. The league stage is in its final stages and the playoff picture seems almost clear. Three teams—RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), GT (Gujarat Titans) and SRH (Sunrisers Hyderabad) have already made it to the last four. After which now the biggest battle is left for the fourth and last playoff ticket, where a tough competition is being seen between Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.

Meanwhile, the match between Punjab and Lucknow (LSG vs PBKS) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow) on Saturday can completely change the playoff equations.

‘Do or die’ situation for Punjab

The Punjab Kings team, which showed explosive style in the beginning of the season, is currently stuck in a difficult situation. Defeat in six consecutive matches has spoiled the equation of the team.

Punjab is currently at fifth position with 13 points in 13 matches. Just winning will not be enough for the team, but winning by a big margin can also be very important.

The reason is simple — if the points are tied then the net run rate will play the deciding role. At present, Punjab’s net run rate (+0.227) is definitely in a better position than Kolkata and Delhi, but this difference cannot be considered completely safe.

Lucknow has nothing to lose

Lucknow Super Giants are already out of the playoff race, but such teams often prove to be the most dangerous.

After being out of the tournament, players play openly without pressure and can spoil the expectations of the opposing team.

Lucknow’s batsmen can play aggressive cricket in this match and this can be a matter of concern for Punjab.

Which team has the strongest claim?

Rajasthan Royals (14 points | +0.083 NRR)

Rajasthan is currently in fourth place and the situation is largely in its hands. A win against MI on May 24 can get them a direct ticket to the playoffs.

Punjab Kings (13 points | +0.227 NRR)

Punjab will have to win its last match at any cost. Along with victory, the team will also have to keep an eye on the results of other matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders (13 points | +0.011 NRR)

The situation in Kolkata largely depends on other results. Kolkata will play its last league stage match against Delhi Capitals on May 24. KKR will have to pay close attention to its NRR.

Delhi Capitals (12 points | -0.871 NRR)

The situation seems to be the most difficult for Delhi because its net run rate is far behind the other teams. That is, it would not be wrong to say that Delhi will first have to win by a big margin and hope that all the other teams lose.

Net run rate can become the biggest game changer

This season, the fight for the playoffs is not limited to just the points table. There is a possibility of many teams having equal points and in such a situation the net run rate can prove to be decisive.

This is the reason why not just victory, but a big victory can be very important for Punjab.

Will the playoff picture change?

Saturday’s match will not only be between Punjab and Lucknow, but it can prove to be a match that affects the entire playoff equation.

If Punjab wins, it will remain firmly in the race for fourth place. But if Lucknow makes an upset, Rajasthan and Kolkata can get big benefits.

It is this thrill of the IPL that makes it the biggest cricket league in the world – nothing is decided here till the last ball.