The race to the TATA IPL 2026 playoffs is heating up, with eight teams still in contention for the four available spots.

Ahead of Match 56 between Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, here is a look at where each team stands and what they need to do to qualify for the final four.

Teams eliminated:

1. Lucknow Super Giants

2. Mumbai Indians

TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs Qualification Scenarios

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Played: 11 | Points: 14 | NRR: 1.103 Remaining matches: vs KKR, SRH, PBKS

RCB are in a strong position and need just one win from their remaining three matches to confirm qualification.

Even if they lose all three matches, they can still qualify on 14 points, but they would need several other results to go their way. Their excellent net run rate, the best in the tournament at this point, gives them a significant advantage.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Played: 11 | Points: 14 | NRR: 0.737 Remaining matches: vs GT, CSK, RCB

Like RCB, SRH need only one more win to seal their place in the playoffs.

If they remain on 14 points, qualification could come down to net run rate and results involving the teams immediately below them. However, they have the second best net run rate in the competition that keeps them comfortably placed.

3. Gujarat Titans

Played: 11 | Points: 14 | NRR: 0.228 Remaining matches: vs SRH, KKR, CSK

GT will secure qualification with one more victory. If they lose all three matches, they could be overtaken by several teams and would need other results to stay in the top four. Among the three teams at 14 points, their NRR is the lowest by some margin which keeps them on them on toes.

4. Punjab Kings

Played: 11 | Points: 13 | NRR: 0.428 Remaining matches: vs MI, RCB, LSG

Despite four defeats in a row, PBKS remain well placed. Two wins from their remaining three matches will guarantee qualification. If they finish on 15 points, they will need results involving CSK and RR to go their way.

5. Chennai Super Kings

Played: 11 | Points: 12 | NRR: 0.185 Remaining matches: vs LSG, SRH, GT

Three consecutive wins have brought CSK back into contention.

Two wins from their final three matches will take them to 16 points and assure qualification. If they finish on 14 points, net run rate and other results will come into the contention.

6. Rajasthan Royals

Played: 11 | Points: 12 | NRR: 0.082 Remaining matches: vs DC, LSG, MI

RR need two wins from their remaining three matches to book their playoff spot.

If they manage only one win and finish on 14 points, they will need other contenders to drop points.

7. Delhi Capitals

Played: 12 | Points: 10 | NRR: -0.993 Remaining matches: vs RR, KKR

DC face the toughest challenge because of their net run rate.

They must win both remaining matches to reach 14 points and improve their net run rate significantly. They will also need several other games to go their way - both in terms of the result and the margin.

8. Kolkata Knight Riders

Played: 10 | Points: 9 | NRR: -0.169 Remaining matches: vs RCB, GT, MI

Winning all their remaining matches will take them into the playoffs. If they finish on 15 points, they could still qualify but will depend on results elsewhere. If they win only two more games, and finish with 13 points, they will need each of PBKS, RR and CSK to lose all their remaining games, and beat DC.