With Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans already locked into the top two, IPL 2026’s last playoff berth comes down to Super Sunday. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders can still qualify—while Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals wait for results t
By Sunday night, one more team will finally breathe easier. For now, the league stage of IPL 2026 is still balanced on a single, nerve-tight hinge: one final playoff spot, decided across two matches that run back-to-back.
After 68 matches, the league stage has produced 25,105 runs and 793 wickets. The top is already settled. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans have both sealed their places after finishing with 18 points each. and they will meet in Qualifier 1. Sunrisers Hyderabad also ended on 18 points. but their inferior net run rate leaves them fixed in third place. waiting to see who they face in the Eliminator.
The drama sits one level lower. The fourth and final berth remains undecided, with three teams still alive: Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings watching from the edge of the table while their own results no longer matter.
Super Sunday means two games, and each could end a season—or keep it alive. Rajasthan Royals take on Mumbai Indians, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders against Delhi Capitals.
The standings heading into the day make the tension clear:
PBKS is on 15 points with all matches done, already eliminated from any control over their fate.
RR is on 14 points and has one match left—against MI.
KKR is on 13 points and has one match left—against DC.
Punjab Kings can still qualify, but only if other results break their way. At the moment, PBKS occupy fourth place provisionally, yet qualification is no longer in their hands.
PBKS qualify if RR lose to MI. There’s also a route if KKR lose—or if their match is washed out. If KKR beat DC, PBKS have a final lifeline in their net run rate: they would still edge KKR if KKR’s run rate finish does not overturn PBKS’ advantage.
The numbers behind that advantage are where the nerves live. KKR’s current net run rate is +0.011, while PBKS stands at +0.309. Even with a win, KKR may need far more than just two points.
That’s exactly why Super Sunday has a “watching” element, even for teams that will step onto the field. If outcomes shift early, the second match’s stakes could evaporate—or turn into something close to a miracle chase.
Rajasthan Royals have the cleanest path. RR qualify if they beat MI. That would take them to 16 points, automatically above PBKS on 15 and above KKR’s maximum possible tally of 15—no net run rate calculations required.
KKR’s situation is tighter, and only a win over DC can move them forward. If KKR win, they would reach 15 points, but they still might not survive the math. Their net run rate is too far behind PBKS’ +0.309, so even a victory could fall short unless it’s massive.
If KKR bat first, their margin requirement becomes a question of leapfrogging on run rate. The scenario described is blunt: KKR would likely need to win by around 76 runs or more to pass PBKS.
If KKR chase, the requirements become even steeper, not just in how much they score, but how quickly they do it—depending on the target, the chase would likely need to be completed around the 12-over mark.
The situation also narrows into specific permutations when it comes to what KKR would need on field. If KKR bat first, the figures laid out are:
If DC score 82, the winning margin needed is 160.
If DC score 103, the winning margin needed is 180.
If DC score 123, the winning margin needed is 200.
If DC score 144, the winning margin needed is 220.
If DC score 165, the winning margin needed is 240.
Those are the scenarios where net run rate becomes survivable—because they set the run margin KKR would need.
If KKR chase successfully, the target window matters just as much. The conditions laid out for chasing are:
Target 140–160 must be chased within 12 overs.
Target 161–180 must be chased within 12.1 overs.
Target 181–200 must be chased within 12.1 overs.
Target 201–220 must be chased within 12.2 overs.
Target 221–240 must be chased within 12.3 overs.
The match-order itself adds another layer of pressure. If RR beat MI in the afternoon clash, the playoff race ends immediately. RR would become the fourth qualifier, and the evening game between KKR and DC becomes irrelevant to qualification.
But if MI upset RR, Eden Gardens would effectively turn into a virtual knockout. PBKS would suddenly become Delhi Capitals supporters for the night, hoping DC win outright or at least avoid a crushing defeat.
KKR, in that scenario, will know exactly what they need by the time they walk onto the field—because the qualification equation won’t be guesswork anymore. Either they deliver a chase or a margin capable of rewriting the net run rate gap between them and PBKS, or the season closes.
One final day. Two matches. Three contenders. One remaining seat in the playoffs—waiting to be claimed or denied.
IPL 2026 Super Sunday Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gujarat Titans Sunrisers Hyderabad Rajasthan Royals Mumbai Indians Kolkata Knight Riders Delhi Capitals Punjab Kings playoff spot
So basically one win and a bunch of math, cool.
I don’t get how Punjab Kings can be “eliminated” but also “can still qualify” like what 😅. This league table stuff always confuses me.
Rajasthan Royals have one match left vs Mumbai Indians right? But if they win doesn’t that automatically put them in? Feels like they’re making it sound way more complicated than it is.
Super Sunday sounds like a setup for a heartbreak again. Like if KKR is playing DC and DC loses, then what happens to RR like do they just sit there and watch? I swear IPL websites always cut off the important part when it says “PBKS qualify if RR lose to…” like come on, finish the sentence.