Three teams for the playoffs in IPL 2026 have been decided, but there is a fierce competition between Rajasthan, Punjab, KKR and Chennai for the fourth place. Rajasthan Royals is currently considered to be the strongest contender as the team has one match left.

IPL Playoffs: IPL 2026 has now reached its most exciting phase. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans have already made it to the playoffs, but a fierce battle is still going on between the 4 teams for the fourth and last place.

This match became more interesting after the victory of Kolkata Knight Riders over Mumbai Indians.

Currently, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings are in the race for the last seat in the playoffs. The special thing is that only one league match is left for all the teams.

Rajasthan Royals are in the lead
With 14 points, Rajasthan Royals are currently considered to be the strongest contender. The team’s last match is to be held against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium.

If Rajasthan wins this match then it will directly reach the playoffs.

Not only this, if Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad lose their last matches, then Rajasthan can improve its net run rate and reach second place. However, if Rajasthan loses, Punjab and KKR can leave them behind.

Punjab Kings still have hope
Punjab Kings are in trouble after six consecutive defeats. Now the team will have to defeat Lucknow Super Giants in their last match, but victory alone will not be enough. Punjab will also have to depend on the defeat of Rajasthan and the results of other teams.

If Rajasthan loses and KKR also wins, then the matter will come down to net run rate.

KKR’s hope alive
Kolkata Knight Riders were considered almost out till some time ago, but the team has made a great comeback. Now his last match is against Delhi Capitals.

KKR also has the advantage that it will play the last match of the league stage, which means it will know all the equations before taking the field. If Rajasthan loses and Punjab reaches 15 points, KKR may have to win by a big margin to go to the playoffs.

At present the team may need a win of at least 61 runs against Delhi.

The most difficult path for Chennai Super Kings
The hopes of Chennai Super Kings are still alive, but the path is very difficult. The team will first have to register a win against Gujarat Titans by at least 25 runs. After this he will have to pray for the defeat of Rajasthan, Punjab and KKR.

The race for top-2 is also interesting
Despite the three playoff teams being decided, the battle for the top two is still open. If Gujarat beats Chennai then it will reach top-2.

If RCB beats Hyderabad then it can also reach number-1, but if Sunrisers wins, then the three teams will be tied on 18 points and the decision will be taken on net run rate. However, even in such a situation, the chances of RCB remaining in the top-2 are considered stronger.