New Delhi: The race for the final playoff spot in IPL 2026 is getting more intense with each passing game. Three teams – Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad – have already qualified for the playoffs. The battle for the remaining spot is now between Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals.Who among Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals will make it through? The answer will be known soon.With Punjab Kings all set to take on the already eliminated Lucknow Supergiants at the Ekna Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, all eyes are now on the crucial match.Punjab Kings started IPL 2026 in a dominant fashion under captain Shreyas Iyer – winning six of their first seven matches, with one match ending in a draw. But their campaign soon derailed as they slipped badly, suffering six straight defeats and losing momentum at the business end of the tournament.Last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings have now gone six matches without a win and are under huge pressure in their last league match against Lucknow Supergiants.LSG, who are already out of playoff contention, have nothing to lose and will look to end their disappointing campaign on a high, potentially ruining Punjab Kings’ playoff hopes.How Punjab Kings Can Qualify For Playoffs – Scenario ExplainedIf Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Supergiants in their final league stage match, they will move into the top four. However, even a win won’t guarantee them a playoff berth.Punjab Kings, currently on 13 points, will move to 15 with a win against LSG. After that, they will have to depend on the results of other matches.The outcome of the Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians clash will have a big impact on Punjab Kings’ chances. If Rajasthan Royals, who are on 14 points, beat Mumbai Indians, they will qualify for the playoffs with 16 points – one more than Punjab Kings. A win for RR would be enough to seal the final playoff spot.If Rajasthan Royals lose to Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings will have to hope for another favorable result in the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals match. PBKS will want Delhi Capitals to beat KKR to keep both teams below them in the standings.
- Punjab Kings can qualify without relying on net run rate if the following three results suit them:
- Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Supergiants.
- Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals.
- Delhi Capitals defeated Kolkata Knight Riders.
