IPL 2026 Playoff Race: Punjab, Rajasthan, Kolkata Vie for Fourth Spot

New Delhi. Punjab Kings' win in their final league match has kept them alive in the race for the playoffs. However, whether Punjab qualifies or not will depend on the results of other matches to be played on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals have been eliminated from the competition. This has set up a three-way battle between Punjab, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders for the fourth playoff spot in IPL 2026.

Punjab's victory against Lucknow Super Giants with 12 balls remaining has put them in a strong position. With 15 points from 14 matches, Punjab's net run rate has reached 0.309. If Rajasthan is defeated by Mumbai Indians in their final match on Sunday, Punjab's chances of qualifying are high.

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have 13 points from 13 matches with a net run rate of 0.011. With Punjab's net run rate now at 0.309, it is significantly ahead of Kolkata's 0.083. This means that Kolkata not only needs to defeat Delhi at their home ground but also secure a victory by a wide margin to improve their net run rate beyond Punjab's.

To surpass Punjab, if Kolkata bats first and scores 200 runs, they must win by at least 77 runs. If Kolkata scores 225 runs, they will face the challenge of winning by 76 runs, and if they score only 180 runs, they must win by 78 runs.

Similarly, if Delhi bats first and scores 180 runs, Kolkata must chase the target within 12 to 12.4 overs, depending on the final winning score. If Delhi scores 200 runs, Kolkata must achieve victory within 12.1 to 12.4 overs.

Kolkata, after losing their first two matches at Eden Gardens this season, has secured consecutive wins in the last three matches. Their record in night matches played here is a 2-2 tie. In their last two matches, they scored 247 runs against Gujarat Titans and won by 29 runs, and chased down a target of 148 runs against Mumbai Indians with 7 balls remaining.

However, if Rajasthan Royals defeat Mumbai Indians in the first of the 'double header' matches on Sunday, none of the above statistics will matter. Rajasthan, with 14 points from 13 matches and a net run rate of 0.083, will reach 16 points if they defeat Mumbai outside their home ground, securing the fourth position.

But, if Rajasthan is defeated, we will have to wait until the last league match of the season to know which team reaches the fourth position.