IPL 2026 Playoff Race Heats Up: Bengaluru, Gujarat Secure Top-Two Finish | Full Qualification Scenarios

By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
May 23, 2026
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The playoff picture in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League is finally taking shape as the league stage enters its final phase. In a crucial encounter on Friday night, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore to reach 18 points. However, Bengaluru retained the top spot in the IPL 2026 Points Table because of a superior net run rate.

According to reports published by The Tripurapost, Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans have officially secured the top-two positions and will now face each other in Qualifier 1.

Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1

Royal Challengers Bangalore finished at the top of the IPL standings with 18 points and an impressive net run rate of +0.783. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans also ended with 18 points but remained second with a net run rate of +0.695.

The much-awaited Qualifier 1 match between Bengaluru and Gujarat will be played in Dharamsala on May 26. The winner will directly qualify for the IPL 2026 Final, while the losing side will still get another opportunity through Qualifier 2.

Gujarat Titans secured their place in the top two after defeating Chennai Super Kings in a dominant performance earlier this week.

For more IPL 2026 latest updates and cricket breaking news, visit The Tripurapost Sports Section.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Finish Third

Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to third position after their impressive victory over Bengaluru. Hyderabad also reached 18 points but failed to enter the top two due to their comparatively lower net run rate of +0.524.

SRH needed a massive 91-run victory to overtake Gujarat Titans in the standings. However, the team managed only a 55-run win, which was not enough to improve their net run rate significantly.

Rajasthan Royals Hold Strongest Chance for Fourth Spot

Rajasthan Royals currently remain fourth in the IPL 2026 Points Table with 14 points and hold the biggest advantage in the playoff race.

Rajasthan’s final league-stage match against Mumbai Indians is effectively a knockout clash. A victory will guarantee Rajasthan Royals a direct entry into the IPL playoffs.

Read more exclusive IPL playoff analysis at The Tripurapost Cricket News.

Punjab Kings Face Do-or-Die Situation

Punjab Kings are currently fifth with 13 points and must defeat Lucknow Super Giants to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Punjab will also depend on favorable outcomes involving Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders to stay in contention for the final playoff berth.

Kolkata Knight Riders Still Alive

Kolkata Knight Riders also have 13 points and remain mathematically alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race.

KKR must beat Delhi Capitals in their final match and hope Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings lose their respective matches.

Delhi Capitals Need a Miracle

Delhi Capitals are currently seventh with 12 points and a poor net run rate of -0.871.

Delhi’s playoff qualification chances are extremely slim. The team will need a massive win against Kolkata Knight Riders and several other favorable results to somehow qualify.

Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Eliminated

The IPL 2026 playoff journey has officially ended for Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.

Mumbai are placed ninth in the table, Chennai remain lower in the standings, while Lucknow finished at the bottom.

Orange Cap Race: Sai Sudharsan Continues to Lead

Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans remains the Orange Cap holder with 638 runs in IPL 2026.

He is followed by Gujarat captain Shubman Gill, who has scored 616 runs this season.

Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad moved to third position after his crucial 51-run knock against Bengaluru. Klaasen now has 606 runs this season.