IPL 2026 Qualification explained: KKR’s big win over GT shakes up playoff race, impacts CSK and RR’s top 4 chances

Kolkata Knight Riders strengthened their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes after registering a 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans on Saturday. Gujarat Titans’ chances of reaching the next stage saw a slight dip following the defeat. Royal Challengers Bengaluru currently hold the strongest position in the qualification race, while Sunrisers Hyderabad remain among the top contenders for a playoff spot.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Rajasthan Royals witnessed a marginal drop in their chances after the KKR vs GT clash. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings also suffered a slight setback in their hopes of making it to the playoffs.

KKR vs GT match highlights

Finn Allen’s blistering 93 and Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s impressive unbeaten 82 powered Kolkata Knight Riders to a commanding 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL on Saturday, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Gujarat’s poor fielding proved costly as KKR capitalised fully.


Allen set the tone with a rapid 35-ball innings before Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 52 off 28 deliveries, accelerated in the latter half. The duo stitched together a quickfire 108-run partnership in just 53 balls, helping KKR post their highest total of the season at 247 for 2.

KKR vs GT points table standings

With the win, Kolkata Knight Riders climbed to seventh place in the standings with 11 points from 12 matches. However, they must win both of their remaining games to keep their playoff qualification hopes alive. Despite the defeat, Gujarat Titans stayed second on the points table with 16 points and still have one match remaining.

PBKS vs RCB Match Crucial for CSK’s Playoff Hopes

Although Chennai Super Kings are not playing today, the result of the crucial Punjab Kings versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash in Dharamsala could have a major impact on their IPL 2026 playoff chances.

CSK dropped to sixth position in the points table with 12 points after a convincing seven-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants. With only two league-stage matches left against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, Chennai’s chances of qualifying now depend heavily on other results, especially today’s PBKS vs RCB fixture.