How Punjab Kings can qualify for playoffs despite being behind RR? All scenarios explained

Despite enduring a six-game losing streak, Punjab Kings are still alive in the IPL playoff race and could take a big step forward towards qualification on Saturday vs LSG.

Punjab Kings surprisingly are still alive in IPL playoff race despite losing their last six matches. Image: Reuters

FirstCricket Staff|May 23, 2026, 14:52:14 IST

Punjab Kings will have a chance to climb to the top four of the 2026 IPL points table with a victory against already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday. PBKS are currently on 13 points, one behind fourth-paced Rajasthan Royals.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already qualified by getting to 18 points each. The race for the final playoff spot is now wide open with RR, PBKS, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals still having a chance.

How Punjab Kings can qualify for playoff?

Interestingly, PBKS beating LSG will take them to fourth spot, but it won't be enough for them to qualify. RR have 14 points, more than PBKS, KKR and DC, with each team to play just one more game.

Rajasthan Royals have the best chance this way as they will qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs if they beat Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

More from Firstcricket

IPL points able

Rank	Team	Playoffs	Played	Won	Lost	NR	Points	NRR
1	RCB	Qualified	14	9	5	0	18	0.783
2	GT	Qualified	14	9	5	0	18	0.695
3	SRH	Qualified	14	9	5	0	18	0.524
4	RR	TBD	13	7	6	0	14	0.083
5	PBKS	TBD	13	6	6	1	13	0.227
6	KKR	TBD	13	6	6	1	13	0,011
7	CSK	Eliminated	14	6	8	0	12	-0.345
8	DC	TBD	13	6	7	0	12	-0.871
9	MI	Eliminated	13	4	9	0	8	-0.51
10	LSG	Eliminated	13	4	9	0	8	-0.702

But the Punjab Kings cannot think like that. They must keep believing, win the match vs LSG and hope that RR lose to MI. This will push them to 15 points, one ahead of RR.

In such a scenario, only KKR, who also have 13 points from 13 matches, would be in a position to surpass in the points table and qualify for the playoffs. DC have 12 points, and they can only reach 14 with a victory over KKR.

But even if KKR beat DC and complete 15 points, that may not be enough as they are behind PBKS on net run rate at present. Which means KKR not only must beat DC but should do it by a massive margin to get past PBKS on NRR.

Meanwhile, PBKS can boost their NRR by winning with a big margin vs LSG and make the task almost impossible for KKR.

Rohit Sharma finally responds to growing speculation over his India future: 'Let the noise be there'

India ODI opener Rohit Sharma silenced speculation about his future with a record‑breaking performance at Lord’s Cricket Ground. HE became the first Indian cricketer to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.

2 min read

Shubman Gill pins India's loss on death-over lapses after England run riot: 'We gave away lot of runs'

India ODI captain Shubman Gill rued over the team's shortcomings in the third match against England. India suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Three Lions in the one-day series.

1 min read

Rohit shines with historic Lord's ton, but England seal series 2-1

With his back against the wall and an illustrious career on the line, Rohit Sharma silenced his critics the only way he can, smashing one of his most celebrated centuries in recent memory, though it wasn't enough to prevent a 27run defeat in the third ODI against England, as India surrendered the series 12 here Sunday

4 min read

India and England players don black armbands, observe minute's silence at Lord's to honour Sir Garfield Sobers

Players of India and England wore black armbands and held a minute's silence at Lord’s Cricket Ground ahead of the third ODI to honour legendary West Indies all‑rounder Sir Garfield Sobers.

1 min read

India coach shrugs off Rohit Sharma form woes amid speculation on ODI future: 'He brings that calmness'

India bowling coach Morne Morkel shrugged off any form-related concern over former India his captain Rohit Sharma after he failed to put up impactful knocks in past two matches.