New Delhi, 18 May (H.S.): The excitement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has reached its peak. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have officially secured their place in the final four, while seven teams remain locked in a fierce battle for the remaining three playoff spots. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have been eliminated from the tournament.

Bengaluru are now strong contenders for a top-two finish. If Chennai Super Kings defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad or overcome Gujarat Titans, Bengaluru’s position in the top two will become almost certain.

If Bengaluru defeat Hyderabad in their final league match, the team will finish at the top of the points table.

Gujarat remain in an excellent position to qualify for the playoffs. The team can strengthen its chances further by defeating Chennai in its final league match.

If Hyderabad lose one of their remaining matches, Gujarat could also secure a place in the top two.

If Hyderabad defeat Chennai, their qualification for the playoffs will become almost certain.

Even if they lose to Chennai but defeat Bengaluru, they would still have a strong chance of progressing to the final four, although they would then need favorable outcomes from other matches.

The path remains open for Punjab. The team must win its final match and also hope that not too many teams among Hyderabad, Chennai, and Rajasthan move ahead in the standings.

Under certain combinations of results, Punjab could still qualify for the playoffs even with a comparatively lower points tally.

Chennai face a virtual do-or-die situation. If the team wins both of its remaining matches, its chances of reaching the playoffs will become significantly stronger.

However, even a single defeat could complicate matters and leave Chennai dependent on results from other fixtures.

Rajasthan must win both of their remaining matches to maintain strong playoff hopes.

If the team loses even one game, the situation would become extremely complicated, and they would then have to rely on other teams losing their matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders are still mathematically alive in the playoff race. The team needs to win both of its remaining matches.

Additionally, some results involving Punjab and Rajasthan will also need to go in Kolkata’s favor.

Kolkata could still qualify even with a relatively low points total, but net run rate may play a decisive role.

Delhi appear to have the most difficult route to the playoffs. The team must win its final match and also depend on several other favorable results.

Delhi’s poor net run rate could prove costly in the event of a tie on points.

In the latest standings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru occupy the top position with nine wins and 18 points from 13 matches and have already qualified for the playoffs.

Gujarat Titans are placed second with 16 points, while Sunrisers Hyderabad are third with 14 points. Punjab Kings hold fourth place with 13 points.

Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Delhi Capitals each have 12 points, making the playoff race increasingly intense.

Kolkata Knight Riders remain in contention with 11 points.

On the other hand, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both with eight points, have been eliminated from the tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar