Punjab Kings will face Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday. Courtesy: Reuters

IPL playoff scenario: How Punjab Kings can secure 4th spot

IPL 2026, LSG vs PBKS: Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings will have everything to play for when they take on Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday, May 23, with a playoff spot at stake.

23 May 2026, 04:29 by Sabyasachi Chowdhury · India Today

In Short

PBKS will lock horns with LSG on Saturday
PBKS have lost 6 matches in a row
Punjab are currently placed 5th in the table

Punjab Kings have landed in deep trouble heading into their final IPL 2026 league match against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday, May 23, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After beginning their campaign unbeaten in their first seven matches, they have suffered a dramatic slump and are yet to recover from it.

Having lost six matches in a row, Shreyas Iyer’s men now find themselves in a must-win situation. From once sitting comfortably at the top of the table, PBKS have slipped to fifth place with 13 points and a net run rate of +0.227. They are now battling Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Despite their disastrous run in the second half of the league stage, PBKS remain in contention for a playoff berth thanks to their outstanding start to the season. But how can they fight their way back into the top four?

How Punjab Kings can seal the fourth spot in IPL 2026

Scenario 1: PBKS beat LSG

If Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Super Giants, they will finish with 15 points, but their qualification still won’t be guaranteed. Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders can still knock them out of the playoff race.

Rajasthan can move ahead with 16 points and deny them a top four spot.

Kolkata can also finish on 15 points. In that case, the team with the superior net run rate will progress.

Scenario 2: PBKS lose to LSG

If Punjab Kings lose to Lucknow Super Giants, they will finish with 13 points and be eliminated from the competition.

Scenario 3: No Result

If Saturday’s clash is called off due to rain or any other reason, Punjab Kings will finish with 14 points. In that scenario, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals can still knock them out.

Rajasthan and Kolkata can move ahead of them on points.

Delhi can also finish on 14 points and in that case, the team with the superior net run rate will qualify for the playoffs.

- Ends