Check IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenarios for CSK, RCB and MI here
While RCB are eyeing the top spot in the standings, both MI and LSG are battling to keep their playoff hopes alive.
 "Check IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenarios for CSK, RCB and MI here")
With the IPL 2026 league stage entering its business end, Sunday’s double-header witnessed some decisive moments in the playoff race. The Lucknow Super Giants officially crashed out of the playoff race after suffering defeat against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
With the victory, CSK climbed to fifth place in the points table with 12 points, drawing level with fourth-placed RCB and sixth-placed Rajasthan Royals.
In the second match of the day, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat Mumbai Indians (MI) to jump to the top of the points table and also knock MI out of playoff contention. IPL 2026 Match 55, PBKS vs DC: LIVE SCORE | FULL SCORECARD | PLAYING 11 | LIVE STREAMING
Qualification scenarios for Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK are now fifth on the points table with 12 points from 11 matches. With a win over LSG, the five-time champions significantly strengthened their playoff chances heading into the final phase of the season.
CSK likely need at least two wins from their final three fixtures to reach the 16-point mark, which is generally considered safe for qualification..
Qualification scenarios for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG are currently bottom of the standings with only six points from 10 games and failed to keep their qualification hopes mathematically alive after the defeat vs CSK
Qualification scenarios for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Defending champions RCB are now in a strong position for playoff qualification with 14 points from 11 matches. They could still take their tally to 20 points if they win their remaining games, which will be more than enough for a top-four spot.
The Bengaluru-based side will probably require at least one victory from their remaining four league matches to secure a playoff berth.
Qualification scenarios for Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians, after the loss against RCB, are now left with just six points from 11 matches. The five-time champions can reach a maximum of 12 points if they win all their remaining games, which will not be enough for them to finish in the top four of the points table.
IPL 2026 points table:
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
| 1 | RCB | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | +1.103 |
| 2 | SRH | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | +0.737 |
| 3 | GT | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | +0.228 |
| 4 | PBKS | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | +0.571 |
| 5 | CSK | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | +0.185 |
| 6 | RR | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | +0.082 |
| 7 | KKR | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 9 | -0.169 |
| 8 | DC | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 8 | -1.154 |
| 9 | MI (E) | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 6 | -0.585 |
| 10 | LSG (E) | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 6 | -0.907 |