Ananya Lohia , Delhi - The IPL 2026 league stage concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals securing the four playoff spots. Defending champions RCB topped the points table with 18 points and advanced alongside GT and SRH, while RR clinched the final qualification berth with 16 points.

RCB became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after defeating Punjab Kings on May 17. The Bengaluru franchise ended the league phase at the top of the standings with 18 points from 14 matches, edging past GT and SRH on the basis of a superior Net Run Rate. Gujarat Titans secured second place with an NRR of 0.695, while Sunrisers Hyderabad finished third with an NRR of 0.524. Rajasthan Royals sealed the final playoff spot after defeating Mumbai Indians in their last league game. The victory knocked PBKS and KKR out of contention. RR eventually finished fourth with 16 points after recovering strongly in the final phase of the tournament.

As per the playoff schedule, RCB and GT will face each other in Qualifier 1, with the winner progressing directly to the IPL 2026 final. SRH and RR will meet in the Eliminator, where the losing side will be knocked out. The loser of Qualifier 1 will then take on the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for the remaining spot in the summit clash. Several big teams failed to make the cut this season. Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians became the first sides to be eliminated. Chennai Super Kings were knocked out after a defeat to GT, while Delhi Capitals crashed out after Punjab Kings defeated LSG. KKR also missed qualification despite a late revival in the season.

The IPL 2026 playoffs promise high-voltage clashes as four strong contenders battle for the title. With defending champions RCB aiming to retain their crown and teams like GT, SRH and RR carrying strong momentum into the knockout stage, fans can expect an intense finish to another thrilling IPL season.