Kolkata Knight Riders’ 40-run defeat against Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 24 brought the IPL 2026 league phase to a conclusion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals having been confirmed as the final four teams.
Rajasthan Royals sealed the final spot with 16 points, one point ahead of Punjab Kings in fifth.
The IPL 2026 Playoffs will begin on May 26 with Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala. The winner of that clash will advance directly to the final.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will play the Eliminator two days later on May 27 in New Chandigarh, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 against the loser of Qualifier 1. The loser will be eliminated.
Qualifier 2 will also be played in New Chandigarh on May 29.
The final will be played on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
IPL 2026 Playoffs schedule
Qualifier 1 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans – May 26 – HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Eliminator – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals – May 27 – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Qualifier 2 – Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator – May 29 – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Final – Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 – May 31 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Published on May 24, 2026
