Punjab Kings playoff qualification scenarios: Can PBKS still qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs? (Updated)
by Naman Jain · Inside Sport IndiaCatch how the Punjab Kings (PBKS) could qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
A massive 7 wicket win against LSG, after 6 losses on the trot. Punjab Kings have just somehow managed to stay alive in the race to playoffs, in IPL 2026. After being set a target of 197, Shreyas Iyer and his men crossed the finish line in 18 overs, with the skipper scoring his maiden 100; taking the team to 15 points.
But despite the win, their coast is still not clear. They only have a 50-50 chance to go through to the next round.
Current IPL 2026 points table
IPL 2026 Points Table
| No | Teams | P | W | L | T | NR | PTS | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 18 | +0.783 |
| 2 | Gujarat Titans | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 18 | +0.695 |
| 3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 18 | +0.524 |
| 4 | Rajasthan Royals | 13 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 14 | +0.083 |
| 5 | Punjab Kings | 13 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 13 | +0.227 |
| 6 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 13 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 13 | +0.011 |
| 7 | Chennai Super Kings | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12 | -0.345 |
| 8 | Delhi Capitals | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 12 | -0.871 |
| 9 | Mumbai Indians | 13 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 8 | -0.510 |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | 13 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 8 | -0.702 |
P : Played · W : Win · L : Loss · T : Tie · NR : No Results · NRR : Net Run Rate · PTS : Points
What PBKS need to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs
The equation is simple for Punjab Kings now. Traditionally, 16 points have almost always been enough to qualify in a 10-team IPL season. PBKS are currently on 15 points, meaning they have completed their job. Now, it is dependent on the results of RR and KKR matches, respectively.
First, Punjab would hope RR lose against MI; if Rajasthan win, they get to 16 points and go through. Then the next step would be to hope, DC beat KKR, or the latter don’t win big. Kolkata with a win, would be tied on 15 points with Punjab, and then NRR would come into play.