SRH, Gujarat Titans Join RCB; Confirm IPL 2026 Playoff Spot

SRH qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs [Source: AFP]After the conclusion of match number 63 of the IPL 2026 season, three teams have officially locked the playoff spot. After RCB, SRH also sealed the deal after beating CSK at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.The thrilling match saw CSK post 180 runs in the first innings. While Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled initially in the chase, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen held their nerves to cross the finish line comfortably with 6 balls to spare.SRH carry GT into the IPL 2026 playoffs That being said, with the victory, Sunrisers Hyderabad booked their seat in the IPL 2026 playoffs. With 8 wins in 13 games, SRH retained the third spot on the points table with 16 points and an NRR of +0.350.Not only that, alongside Hyderabad, the Gujarat Titans have also made their way to the playoffs with 16 points and a better NRR of +0.400. So, now, RCB, GT and SRH have confirmed their places in the knockout stages.Even though both GT and SRH are on 16 points, the chasing teams can no longer overtake them because Punjab Kings can only reach 15 points maximum, Rajasthan Royals can only reach 14 points, CSK are stuck on 12 after 13 games, Delhi Capitals can only reach 14, and KKR can only reach 13.So no remaining team can catch GT or SRH. Now the only remaining playoff spot is the 4th position. The main contenders are PBKS and RR, as they have more points.KKR also have an outside chance only if multiple results go their way apart from winning their remaining two fixtures in the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.Also Read - IPL 2026 Playoff Tickets To Go Live On This Date, BCCI RevealsThe top 2 battle still openWhile RCB, GT and SRH have dumped the pressure of playoff qualification off their shoulders, the race to finish in the top 2 is still on. The advantage of qualifying in the top 2 is that both teams get to play in Qualifier 1.The winner goes straight to the final, while the loser gets another chance to compete for the final spot in Qualifier 2. For now, RCB are favourites to lock their place in the first or second spot.However, GT and SRH can still finish in the top 2, as NRR and final league games will decide Qualifier 1 spots.GT have one league fixture remaining against CSK on May 21, while SRH will battle it out against defending champions RCB on May 22 at Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad.Where does CSK stand now?Meanwhile, five-time IPL champions CSK went down fighting against SRH at Chepauk as they lost the last league fixture of the IPL 2026 season at home.Defending 180, Akeal Hosein bowled brilliantly, picking up a wicket for 21 runs in 3 overs. However, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad had a terrible day, conceding at an economy of over 10.00.Now, CSK’s route to the IPL playoffs is extremely complicated. Firstly, they must beat GT in their last game. Also, they will need Punjab Kings to fail to reach 14 plus points. CSK would hope that the Rajasthan Royals lose at least one match and KKR drop points as well. Even if teams finish tied on points, CSK’s weak NRR means they may need a big-margin win against GT.Also Read - Watch - Heinrich Klaasen Gets In Heated Fight With Sanju Samson After Lightning Stumping