Shreyas Iyer ans PBKS team (Source: AFP)
With only three matches left in the league stage of IPL 2026, the playoff race has reached an exciting phase. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have already secured their places in the top four.
The battle for the last remaining playoff spot is now between Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Capitals (DC).
RCB will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, while SRH will play the Eliminator on May 27 against the fourth-placed team.
Punjab Kings are in a difficult but still hopeful position to secure their place at the fourth position of the points table and become the last team to enter the playoffs. It is vital to note that PBKS will face LSG on May 23.
For PBKS, this is a complete do-or-die clash. A win keeps them alive in the playoff race, while a defeat will officially end their campaign.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants have already been eliminated and are now playing only for pride.
Punjab Kings' journey so far in IPL 2026
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, started the season brilliantly and looked like one of the strongest contenders for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
PBKS remained unbeaten in their first seven matches, and, at one stage, were sitting comfortably at the top of the points table and appeared certain to qualify for the playoffs.
However, the second half of the season turned into a nightmare for the team. PBKS suddenly lost momentum and suffered six consecutive defeats.
Also Read: Arshdeep Singh In Trouble! This Time Over Punjab Kings' Teammate Priyansh Arya
These back-to-back defeats pushed Punjab Kings down to fifth place in the standings. After 13 matches, they have 13 points with six wins, six losses, and one no-result (against KKR). Their net run rate currently stands at +0.227.
How can PBKS still make it to the 4th spot in the points table?
PBKS can still qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, but the situation is not fully in their control.
Scenario 1: PBKS beat LSG
The first and most important condition is simple - Punjab Kings must defeat Lucknow Super Giants on May 23.
If PBKS win, they will finish the league stage with 15 points. However, even this may not guarantee qualification because Rajasthan Royals and KKR are also fighting for the same spot.
PBKS will then hope that Rajasthan Royals lose their final match against Mumbai Indians. If RR lose, they will stay below Punjab in the standings, allowing PBKS to remain in contention.
Kolkata Knight Riders can also finish on 15 points, which means net run rate could decide the final playoff position. Fortunately for PBKS, their current NRR of +0.227 gives them a slight advantage over KKR.
However, it is important to note that, if Punjab beat LSG by even one run, KKR would need to defeat DC by at least 52 runs to move ahead on net run rate.
Scenario 2: If LSG defeat PBKS
If Punjab Kings lose to LSG, their campaign will officially end. They will remain on 13 points, which will not be enough to qualify for the playoffs. In that case, Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders will move ahead in the race for the fourth spot.
Also Read: IPL 2026: LSG vs PBKS Prediction, Match 68- Who Will Win Today?
