IPL 2026 Updated Points Table: Top 3 locked in, four-way battle for fourth spot

Three teams have booked their IPL 2026 playoff spots, but the real drama is unfolding below them- four franchises are now locked in a tense race for the final berth, with net run rate and one last match likely to decide everything.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 23 May 2026, 6:52 PM IST

Four Teams Remain in Playoff Hunt (Img: Internet)

New Delhi: The Indian Premier League 2026 playoff picture became clearer after Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final league-stage clash between the two sides. While the victory strengthened Hyderabad’s campaign, the result also confirmed the top three teams for the playoffs.

Despite losing by 55 runs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained the top position in the points table due to their superior net run rate. Gujarat Titans finished second, while Sunrisers Hyderabad secured third place.

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SRH Post Massive Total Against RCB

Batting first, Hyderabad piled up a massive 255/4 with strong contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy. The aggressive batting display put pressure on Bengaluru’s bowling attack throughout the innings.

SRH needed a significantly larger victory margin to move into the top two positions based on net run rate calculations.

RCB Hold Top Spot Despite Defeat

Chasing the huge target, Bengaluru focused on crossing the required score needed to protect their net run rate advantage. Useful contributions from Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Devdutt Padikkal and Venkatesh Iyer helped the team finish at 200/4.

The result ensured RCB stayed at the top with 18 points and a net run rate of 0.783. Gujarat Titans also ended with 18 points but remained second due to a lower NRR of 0.695. Hyderabad’s NRR of 0.524 kept them in third place despite matching the same points tally.

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Four-Way Battle for Final Playoff Spot

The contest for the final playoff position remains open among four teams. Rajasthan Royals currently occupy fourth place with 14 points and one game remaining.

Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are tied on 13 points, while Delhi Capitals remain mathematically alive with 12 points and one match left. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are out of playoff contention.