Two matches on May 5 have reshaped the IPL 2026 points table significantly, with the playoff qualification battle now involving at least six teams in a highly competitive race for four knockout berths. The results of DC vs CSK and MI vs LSG have pushed some sides up while deepening the crisis for others already under pressure.
Punjab Kings Lead But Feel the Heat
Punjab Kings remain at the top of the IPL 2026 points table going into Match 49 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 6, but their lead is not as comfortable as it appeared a week ago. After two consecutive defeats for the first time this season, PBKS have 13 points from nine games but are level on points with second-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their net run rate advantage keeps them in pole position, but another loss tonight against SRH in Hyderabad would see them drop further and potentially lose top spot for the first time since the early stages of the tournament.
RCB and GT in Strong Positions
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans have been the two most consistent teams across the full ten-week league stage, both sitting comfortably in the top three with strong net run rates. RCB’s deep bowling attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal, has been their biggest strength, and the defending champions have shown the ability to win matches in multiple ways. GT, led by Shubman Gill, have also been clinical in both departments and are widely considered the most well-rounded squad in the competition.
CSK Climb to Sixth After Delhi Win
Chennai Super Kings moved to sixth position on the points table with 10 points from 10 games after their 8-wicket win over Delhi Capitals on May 5. The win was only their second from their last four matches, but the manner of the victory, built on tight bowling and a composed chase, gives the three-time IPL champions genuine belief that they can qualify. CSK still need to win at least two of their remaining four league games to be in a position to qualify.
SRH at Third Position, KKR Close Behind
Sunrisers Hyderabad, with 12 points from nine games, sit third on the table and are looking to reclaim a top-two finish that would give them a double chance in the playoffs. A win tonight against PBKS would put SRH level on points with the table leaders. Kolkata Knight Riders are just behind in fourth position and remain consistent playoff contenders with a squad built on pace bowling and explosive batting at the top.
Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians Struggling
Rajasthan Royals have been one of the most inconsistent sides of IPL 2026, occasionally producing brilliant individual performances but failing to string together the kind of form run their squad quality suggests they should be capable of. Mumbai Indians are in an even more difficult position with just three wins from ten matches, sitting ninth on the table with six points. The Rohit and Rickelton show against LSG was exactly what MI needed to kickstart a survival run, but the mathematics of their qualification campaign make uncomfortable reading.
Delhi Capitals at the Crossroads
Delhi Capitals, seventh with eight points from nine games, face perhaps the most challenging run-in of any side in the playoff hunt. Their next three games are all against opponents currently in the top six, leaving very little margin for error. The return of Lungi Ngidi from injury was a welcome boost, but the team has structural issues in their middle order that a single selection change will not fix.
Lucknow Super Giants Rooted to Bottom
Lucknow Super Giants are in last place and effectively out of playoff contention with just four points from nine games. The six-game losing streak has exposed deep problems in team selection, batting depth, and the overall confidence levels within the group. Rishabh Pant’s personal form has also been a disappointment, with the wicketkeeper-captain yet to play a match-defining innings in this campaign.
FAQ
The most searched question about the IPL 2026 points table right now is which teams have already qualified for the playoffs. No team has officially qualified yet. Many fans also ask when the IPL 2026 playoffs will take place and whether the schedule has been confirmed. The league stage ends on May 25, with the playoffs expected to run through to May 31. Another common search is whether CSK can still qualify for the playoffs in 2026, and the answer is yes, they can, but they must win their remaining games.
Written by 8JJ.com | May 6, 2026
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