The IPL 2026 playoff race is heating up as the league enters its final stretch. After last night’s thrilling contest in Lucknow, the points table has become even tighter, making the fight for the top four more intense than ever.
Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to lead the standings with 14 points, while Punjab Kings remain close behind on 13 points with a game still in hand.
The biggest battle, though, is happening around the middle of the table. Royal Challengers Bengaluru missed the chance to move top of the table after a narrow 9-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants.
Despite the loss, RCB’s strong net run rate keeps them in a solid position as they sit level on 12 points with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans.
Lucknow’s win could prove to be a turning point in their campaign. Powered by a brilliant century from Mitchell Marsh, LSG defended a huge total at the Ekana Stadium and kept their playoff hopes alive. They have now moved to 6 points, alongside a struggling Mumbai Indians side.
Tonight’s clash between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be another important game as both teams look to reduce the gap between themselves and the sides placed in the middle of the table.
With the league stage entering its final phase, every win could help teams stay in touch with the playoff race.
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Who won IPL 2025?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2025 title, claiming their first-ever IPL trophy after 18 seasons. In a thrilling final at Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs. RCB posted 190/9 in 20 overs, with captain Rajat Patidar leading the charge and Virat Kohli contributing a steady 43.
Punjab Kings, despite a valiant 61 off 30 balls from Shashank Singh, finished at 184/7 in their 20 overs. Key bowling performances for RCB included Krunal Pandya (2/17) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38), who took crucial wickets at the death overs.
When is the IPL 2026 season?
IPL 2026 kicked off on March 28 with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. The league will run till 31 May.
IPL 2026 winner odds and latest betting
The latest betting odds for IPL 2026, by Dafabet:
Team
Odds*
Punjab Kings
4.00
Sunrisers Hyderabad
4.25
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
4.50
Rajasthan Royals
7.50
Gujarat Titans
8.50
Chennai Super Kings
15.00
Mumbai Indians
81.00
Kolkata Knight Riders
126.00
Delhi Capitals
201.00
Lucknow Super Giants
701.00
* Odds correct at time of publish but subject to change
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