IPL 2026 Playoffs Locked: RCB vs GT in Qualifier 1, SRH Await Opponent
RCB to Face GT in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1; SRH Set for Eliminator Battle: The IPL 2026 playoff race is now almost clear after Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 55 runs on May 22. Despite the win, Hyderabad could not finish in the top two. As a result, defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 26 at Dharamshala.
RCB had a great league season, winning 9 of their 14 matches and finishing first with 18 points. Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad also ended with 18 points, but RCB topped the table because of a better Net Run Rate. RCB’s NRR was 0.783, Gujarat’s was 0.695, and Hyderabad’s was 0.524.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, will now play the Eliminator on May 27 in Mullanpur against the fourth playoff team, which is still undecided.
Four teams are fighting for the last playoff spot: Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals. Rajasthan Royals are in the best position right now with 14 points from 13 matches, and a win in their final league game will confirm their playoff place.
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