IPL 2026 Playoff Race Heats Up with Crucial Matches This Week

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoff race is getting more intense, with eight teams still in contention for the four playoff spots. After 54 league matches, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants were eliminated on Sunday, May 10. This week's schedule includes crucial matches, starting with Punjab Kings hosting Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on Monday, May 11.

The match between Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday, May 12, in Ahmedabad, will also be critical, as both teams push for a top-two finish.

Table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on Wednesday, May 13, while Punjab Kings will face already-eliminated Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala on Thursday, May 14.

The full schedule for this week includes matches between Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings on Friday, May 15, and Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans on Saturday, May 16.

The Sunday double-header on May 17 will feature Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals. The outcomes of these matches will significantly impact the playoff race, with teams looking to secure their spots in the top four. The next set of matches will be crucial in determining the final standings, with the teams focusing on winning their remaining matches to stay in contention.