IPL 2026 playoffs race: Who will grab final spot as CSK near elimination?

NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans will breathe easier after joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League playoffs on Monday but Chennai Super Kings are on the brink of elimination after suffering a seventh defeat of the season.

Bengaluru won their first IPL title last year ‌and were the ⁠first ⁠to book their place in the playoffs this season. Hyderabad joined them after a ​five-wicket win over Chennai, a result which also assured Gujarat of a place.

Punjab ​Kings are fourth in the 10-team tournament with one game left to play but their destiny is not in their own hands.


Rajasthan Royals ​are only a point behind with two games ⁠left, while ‌Chennai and Delhi Capitals also trail Punjab by ​a point ​but with one match to go.

It has been a ⁠disappointing campaign for Chennai, who won five titles under ​Mahendra Singh Dhoni before he passed on the ​captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2024.

Gaikwad's own form has been patchy this season and the opener has largely failed to capitalise on the powerplay overs, scoring at a pedestrian strike rate of 120.67.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Sunrises Hyderabad secure playoffs berth after they beat CSK

"I think Ruturaj can do more," Chennai head coach Stephen Fleming said after ‌Monday's home loss to Hyderabad.

"He's done more in the past. He's been a fine player at the top. He ​hasn't produced the ​quantity of runs ⁠and the pace of runs that he's done in his career. And that's something that he will address."

Former New Zealand captain Fleming was aware ​that failing to make the playoffs three years in a row could spell the end of his stint at Chennai.

"I'd say it's a choice for the management," Fleming said.

"I know we're judged on results, that's fair. So it's the management's call, not mine."