The top two teams will face off in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. Teams placed third and fourth will meet in the Eliminator, where the loser will be eliminated.
The loser of Qualifier 1 will then take on the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for the remaining place in the final.
In the IPL, 70-match group stages have been a constant feature since the 2022 season. In IPL 2022, 2023 and 2025, the cut-off to make the playoffs have been 16 points.
In IPL 2024, RCB were fourth with 14 points – after finishing above three more teams with the same tally – courtesy of a superior Net Run Rate.
IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenarios
How can CSK qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 4
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Yet to play: LSG, LSG, SRH, GT
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Current points: 10
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Maximum points possible: 18
Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings still need three wins from their remaining four group games to hit the magic mark of 16 this season.
CSK have made the playoffs 12 times in 16 seasons – the most by any team in IPL history – but will have their work cut out for them to hit the mark this season.
Can DC qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 4
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Yet to play: KKR, PBKS, RR, KKR
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Current points: 8
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Maximum points possible: 16
Despite an in-form KL Rahul, the Delhi Capitals have struggled to convert starts to wins this season and have an uphill task to qualify for the playoffs. DC will need to win all of their remaining four games to hit the 16-point mark, which could potentially see them advance.
Overall, DC have qualified for the playoffs six times, with their last progression coming back in 2021.
Can GT qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 4
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Yet to play: RR, SRH, KKR, CSK
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Current points: 12
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Maximum points possible: 20
Since their IPL debut in 2022, the Gujarat Titans have qualified for the playoffs three times, with their only miss coming in 2024. The former champions are in the running this year too and can hit the magic mark of 16 with a couple of more victories in their remaining four games.
Can KKR qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 5
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Yet to play: DC, RCB, GT, MI, DC
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Current points: 7
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Maximum points possible: 17
Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders have endured a torrid season thus far and find themselves in the bottom half of the table. Mathematically, KKR can still hit 17 points if they win all of their remaining five matches this campaign
KKR have qualified for the playoffs eight times in 18 seasons. Only CSK and MI have managed more.
Can LSG qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 5
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Yet to play: RCB, CSK, CSK, RR, PBKS
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Current points: 4
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Maximum points possible: 14
Even a perfect record in their final five matches could prove to be insufficient for the Lucknow Super Giants but they are still hanging by a thread. LSG have played the IPL playoffs twice in their four completed seasons.
Can MI qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 4
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Yet to play: RCB, PBKS, KKR, RR
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Current points: 6
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Maximum points possible: 14
Following a tough start to the season, five-time champions Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position and can reach a maximum of 14 points this campaign.
Hardik Pandya and Co. are still mathematically in contention but a 12th playoff appearance to potentially match CSK’s record looks unlikely for MI this campaign.
Can PBKS qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 4
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Yet to play: DC, MI, RCB, LSG
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Current points: 13
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Maximum points possible: 21
Last year’s finalists Punjab Kings have been in brilliant form this season. However, they dropped a few points due to a washout in Kolkata and three back-to-back losses. They need just three more points to hit the magic mark.
Shreyas Iyer’s men are also in the running to break the record for most points in the IPL group stages – 20 – in the current 70-game format. PBKS have made the IPL playoffs thrice and the final twice.
Can RR qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 4
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Yet to play: GT, DC, LSG, MI
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Current points: 12
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Maximum points possible: 20
After going unbeaten in their first four games this season, inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals have stuttered, managing just two more wins in their next six games.
Despite the stumble, though, Riyan Parag and Co. are still very much in the hunt for the playoffs and can still hit a ceiling of 20 points. RR have made it past the group stage six times to date.
Can RCB qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 5
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Yet to play: LSG, MI, KKR, PBKS, SRH
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Current points: 12
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Maximum points possible: 22
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are well on course for the IPL playoffs this season and can still hit a maximum possible 22 points in the group stages this campaign.
In their 18 completed seasons, Virat Kohli’s RCB have qualified for the playoffs on 10 occasions. They won their maiden title last season.
Can SRH qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
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Matches left: 3
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Yet to play: GT, CSK, RCB
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Current points: 14
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Maximum points possible: 20
Propelled by an explosive top order, former champions Sunrisers Hyderabad find themselves in the top half of the IPL 2026 points table with one victory in their remaining three games enough to take them to the magic figure of 16.
SRH have qualified for the IPL playoffs on six occasions.
