Delhi: The playoff equation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has become even more interesting. Even after the 60th match, no team has been able to secure its place in the last-4. In a very exciting match played at Eden Gardens on Saturday, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) completely changed the equation of the tournament by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT). While this victory kept Kolkata’s hopes alive, every match has now become do-or-die for Gujarat.
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Kolkata’s victory saw a major reshuffle in the points table. The team has now moved from eighth position to seventh position. On the other hand, the situation has become difficult for Gujarat Titans, as the team can now reach only a maximum of 18 points in the league stage. In such a situation, his next match against Chennai Super Kings is considered very important.
Competition will increase between Chennai and Gujarat
Now all eyes are on the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings to be held on May 18. If Chennai wins this match, then the match between Gujarat and Chennai on May 21 will become a direct knockout. The path to the playoffs may be almost closed for the losing team.
Royal Challengers Bangalore currently remains at the top position in the points table. The team has scored 16 points by registering 8 wins in 12 matches. Gujarat Titans are also in second place with 16 points, although they have played 13 matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad is at third place, which has 14 points with 7 wins in 12 matches.
At the same time, Punjab team remains at fourth position with 13 points. Rajasthan team is at fifth position with 12 points in 11 matches, while Chennai Super Kings is also at sixth position with 12 points.
Kolkata’s hopes still remain
Kolkata Knight Riders have kept themselves in the race for the playoffs by defeating Gujarat. The team currently has 11 points and two matches are still left. If Kolkata is successful in winning both its matches, it can reach 15 points. Looking at the current equations, these many points can prove to be enough to get a ticket for the playoffs.
On the other hand, the situation of Delhi Capitals has become very critical. The team has registered only 5 wins in 12 matches and has 10 points in its account. Delhi currently remains at eighth position in the points table.
Now every match will become decisive
Now only 10 matches are left in the league stage, but till now no team has been able to officially make it to the playoffs. Gujarat had a great chance to qualify first, but it missed it after losing to Kolkata.
Now everyone’s eyes will be on the matches to be held on Sunday. If Royal Challengers Bangalore defeats Punjab, their place in the playoffs will be almost certain. At the same time, if Rajasthan is successful in defeating Delhi, then Delhi Capitals may be out of the tournament.
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In such a situation, there is going to be a fierce competition between six teams for the remaining three playoff places. It is also true that this battle for the playoffs has now become even more exciting, where every team wants to win its remaining matches, so that its hopes of making the final four can remain alive. Now it will be interesting to see which four teams qualify for the playoffs, and which ones are out.
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