How RR Win vs LSG Has Affected CSK, PBKS, KKR, DC Qualification Scenarios For IPL 2026 Playoffs

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane and Ruturaj Gaikwad (Source: AFP and AP)

The race for the final playoff spot in IPL 2026 has become even more interesting after Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by seven wickets in Jaipur on Tuesday (May 19).

It is important to note that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have already secured a playoff spot in IPL 2026.

Now the battle for the 4th position for qualification is down to Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Delhi Capitals (DC).

The IPL 2026 playoff fight is expected to go down to the final day of the league stage, with several teams still mathematically alive.

Having said this, in this article, let's take a look at the IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenario for CSK, RR, DC, KKR, and PBKS.

IPL 2026 Points Table

Position	Team	Played	Won	Lost	No Result	NRR	Points
1	RCB	13	9	4	0	1.065	18
2	GT	13	8	5	0	0.4	16
3	SRH	13	8	5	0	0.35	16
4	RR	13	7	6	0	0.083	14
5	PBKS	13	6	6	1	0.227	13
6	CSK	13	6	7	0	-0.016	12
7	DC	13	6	7	0	-0.871	12
8	KKR	12	5	6	1	-0.038	11
9	MI	12	4	8	0	-0.504	8
10	LSG	13	4	9	0	-0.702	8

How can Rajasthan Royals qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs?

Rajasthan Royals are now in the most comfortable position among the teams fighting for the last playoff berth. Their equation is simple - beat Mumbai Indians and qualify with 16 points.

If RR win their final match, none of the chasing teams will be able to overtake them. They could even have an outside chance of finishing in the top two if both GT and SRH lose heavily in their final matches and RR register a massive victory over MI.
However, if Mumbai Indians defeat RR it would leave Rajasthan on 14 points and open the door for other teams.

Also Read: CSK, RR, DC, And KKR's Qualification Scenario For IPL 2026 Playoffs After MI's Win vs PBKS

Even if RR remain tied on 14 points with CSK or DC, they currently enjoy a much better net run rate advantage.

Rajasthan Royals' remaining matches in IPL 2026

Team	Date & Time (IST)	Venue
MI	May 24, 3:30 PM (IST)	Wankhede

How PBKS, KKR, CSK, and DC can still qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings remain alive in the playoff race despite a poor second half of the season. PBKS are on 13 points from 13 matches and must beat Lucknow Super Giants in their final game to move to 15 points.
However, that alone may not be enough. They also need Rajasthan Royals to lose against Mumbai Indians. If KKR win both their matches and also reach 15 points, qualification could then depend on NRR.

PBKS' remaining matches in IPL 2026

Opposition	Date & Time (IST)	Venue
LSG	May 23, 7:30 PM	Lucknow

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR still have two games left and can finish with a maximum of 15 points. Their path is straightforward but difficult; they must defeat both Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
Along with winning both matches, KKR also need Rajasthan Royals to lose to MI and PBKS to drop points against LSG. Any defeat for KKR will end their playoff hopes immediately.

KKR's remaining matches in IPL 2026

Teams	Date & Time (IST)	Venue
MI	May 20, 7:30 PM	Eden Gardens
DC	May 24, 7:30 PM	Eden Gardens

Chennai Super Kings

CSK's qualification chances are narrow. Chennai must first beat Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad and then hope several other results go in their favour.
They need MI to defeat RR, LSG to beat PBKS and KKR to fail to win both their remaining matches. If CSK finish level on 14 points with RR, they will likely need a victory margin big enough to improve their net run rate significantly.

CSK's remaining matches in IPL 2026

Opposition	Date & Time (IST)	Venue
GT	May 21, 7:30 PM	Ahmedabad

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals are still mathematically alive, but face the toughest situation among all contenders. DC must beat KKR in their final match and hope RR, PBKS and CSK all lose their own matches.
Even then, Delhi Capitals' poor net run rate (-0.871) makes qualification highly unlikely unless they secure a massive victory and other results align perfectly.