IPL 2026: 4 teams that can reach playoffs
This is a pathway analysis. For each team: what their current form, fixture list, and squad depth says about their actual route to the top four. Two selections are consensus. Two are worth an argument
12 Min Read
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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In the opening match of IPL 2026, Jacob Duffy took 3 wickets for 13 runs in the powerplay against Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB won by 6 wickets, and Duffy was named Player of the Match.
RCB continued their form against CSK, scoring 250 for 3 and winning by 43 runs. Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli led the batting, while Duffy added two more wickets.
RCB currently lead the table with the highest NRR of +2.501.
Their strength lies in balance. The batting lineup includes multiple match-winners, while Duffy adds a new dimension to the bowling attack. With 5 wickets at an average of 16.00 in two matches, he has provided the additional pace option RCB previously lacked.
IPL 2026 playoff tracker (as of April 6)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Points | NRR | Key Batter | Key Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 2 | 2 | 4 | +2.501 | Padikkal (111 runs, strike rate around 202) | Duffy (5 wickets, average 16.00) |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2 | 2 | 4 | +2.233 | Jaiswal (55 vs GT) | Bishnoi (5 wickets) |
| Delhi Capitals | 2 | 2 | 4 | +1.170 | Rizvi (160 runs) | To be confirmed |
| Punjab Kings | 2 | 2 | 4 | +0.637 | Iyer (604 runs in IPL 2025) | Chahal (3 wickets, 200 plus career) |
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