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The league stage of the upcoming IPL 2026 is nearing its interesting phase. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have clinched the first playoff berth with 18 points and an excellent net run rate and have become the first to qualify for the playoff.

With seven teams yet to stand mathematically in a position to secure a playoff spot, this leaves three open. The race is by no means easy, and all the remaining matches, along with net run rate (NRR), will have a significant impact.

The following is a list of the current Top Contenders (May 18, 2026):

• Gujarat Titans (GT): Favorites with 16 points. Moderate-to-high odds of being in the top two.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): With 14 points. If you win both games left, you'll be qualified for sure.
• Punjab Kings (PBKS): 13 points. Must keep winning and achieving a favorable NRR to remain alive.
• Rajasthan Royals (RR) & Chennai Super Kings (CSK): On 12 points each. Has to beat nearly all the rest.
• Delhi Capitals & Kolkata Knight Rider (KKR): Reduce points, but still retain good NRR swings in mind with any slip by the top teams.

SRH and GT have the best chance of making it, while CSK, RR, and PBKS have the must-win status. More miracles are expected for DC and KKR just because of the several factors in their favor.

So far there are just a few matches remaining in the calendar, and the next few days will be full of high-stakes cricket. This is going to be an unpredictable, chaotic, and final nail-in-the-coffin ride as these 7 teams compete for a playoff berth in the IPL '26.