Chennai Super Kings lost their sixth match in IPL 2026, dealing a blow to their hopes of reaching the playoffs. Whereas the victory of Lucknow Super Giants has benefited Punjab Kings. Sunrisers Hyderabad will also be satisfied with this result. See which team is where in the points table now and understand the complete mathematics of playoff qualification.

In this match played in Lucknow, Rishabh Pant had decided to bowl first after winning the toss. With the help of Karthik Sharma’s brilliant innings, Chennai Super Kings reached the score of 187. Karthik scored 71 runs in 42 balls. While chasing the target, Mitchell Marsh played a stormy innings, he scored 90 runs in 38 balls with the help of 7 sixes and 9 fours. He missed his century and was run out in the 12th over. Along with Josh Inglis, he made a partnership of 135 runs for the first wicket. Lucknow achieved the target with 20 balls remaining and won by 7 wickets.

How did Punjab benefit from Chennai’s defeat?

Chennai Super Kings had benefited from 5 consecutive defeats of Punjab Kings, but now the defeat of CSK has brought relief to PBKS. Chennai now has two matches left, by winning which it can reach 16 points. Whereas if Punjab wins both its matches then it will reach 17 points. SRH and RR can reach 18-18 points, if these teams lose one match each then Punjab will get more advantage. At present Punjab needs victory in both its matches.

Which team is in top-4

RCB and GT have played 12-12 matches and both have 16-16 points. Both need just one win to confirm their place. The focus of both of them will be to win both the matches and remain in the top-2. At number three is SRH, which has won 7 out of 12 matches and can now reach 18 points by winning both the matches. Punjab Kings are in fourth place, who will reach 17 points by winning the remaining two matches. The defeat of SRH, RR will benefit PBKS.

RR also has more chances

Rajasthan Royals is at fifth position, having won 6 out of 11 matches. Rajasthan has lost 2 consecutive matches, however this team can still reach 18 points by winning its 3 matches. If Rajasthan wants to qualify without getting stuck in net run rate, it will have to win all three of its matches. Chennai Super Kings is in sixth place.

CSK has won 6 out of 12 matches and now will be able to reach 16 points only by winning the remaining two matches. Chennai needs Punjab to lose one more match, SRH and RR should also lose at least one match.

DC and KKR status

The fate of Delhi and Kolkata is not in their hands, their reaching the playoffs will be no less than a miracle. DC is at seventh position with 10 points. Delhi has 2 matches left, even after winning which it will reach only 14 points. KKR has won 4 out of 11 matches. By winning its 3 matches, the team will be able to reach 15 points, this team also has very less chances of going to the playoffs.

MI and LSG out

Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are officially out of the race for the playoffs in IPL 2026. Mumbai has won 4 out of 12 and Lucknow has also won 4 out of 12 matches. Even if both of them win their remaining matches, they will be able to reach only 12 points, although they can spoil the work of other teams.