IPL 2026 Playoffs Scenario for 4th Place: Not DC or KKR THIS Team Will Qualify for 4th Place

The IPL 2026 playoffs scenario has been made more intense by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the remaining spot after registering a convincing five-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on May 18. The result also ensured that the Gujarat Titans officially secured a place in the knockout stage.

A day earlier, one of the best teams in IPL 2026, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, had already booked their playoff ticket with a 23-run victory against the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. With RCB, SRH and GT now through to the next round, the fight for the fourth and final qualification spot remains wide open.

Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders are still alive in the competition and continue to push for the last available berth. Seven matches are still left in the league phase, and the playoff equation is set for a dramatic finish, but out of these five teams, the Rajasthan Royals have the best chance to make it through without relying on other teams.

Explained: IPL 2026 Playoffs Scenario For 4th Place

Among the contenders, the Rajasthan Royals are the only side with complete control over their playoff destiny. Consecutive wins in their last two matches would guarantee a spot in the knockout stage without relying on other teams’ outcomes. The equation becomes far more complicated if Rajasthan loses one of its remaining two encounters, as both Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings may move ahead on points.

At the same time, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings could also end up level with Rajasthan on 14 points, potentially turning net run rate into the deciding factor for qualification.

The Punjab Kings are facing a difficult road in the race for the final playoff berth in the IPL points table. Even a victory in their last league fixture would only take them to 15 points, and that total may still not be enough to secure qualification. Their chances remain dependent on results involving KKR and RR, both of whom are capable of overtaking them in the standings.