The race for the IPL 2026 playoffs is heating up, and the excitement is palpable. As the league stage approaches its thrilling conclusion, here's the latest on which teams are in contention—and which ones have already been shown the exit.

While no team has officially secured a playoff spot yet, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are leading the charge. RCB, powered by a brilliant century from Virat Kohli, has climbed to the top of the table with 16 points, edging out GT on Net Run Rate. Both teams are in prime position to book their tickets to the knockout stage.

Right behind them, the battle for the remaining two spots is intensifying. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sit third with 14 points, while Punjab Kings (PBKS) hold fourth place with 13 points. But the chasing pack is breathing down their necks—Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), both with 12 points, are still very much in the hunt, keeping the pressure on the top four.

For Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC), the road is getting steeper. KKR's recent loss to RCB was a major blow, leaving them on the brink of elimination alongside DC. Both teams now need favorable results from other matches and a significant boost in Net Run Rate to keep their hopes alive.

Unfortunately for fans of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the dream is over. The five-time champions MI and LSG have been officially knocked out of the playoff race, ending their campaigns earlier than expected.

With the league stage winding down, all eyes are now on the playoffs. The knockout matches will be held in the scenic venues of Dharamsala and New Chandigarh, building up to the grand finale at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.

Here's how the playoff structure works: Qualifier 1 will feature the top two teams from the points table. The winner advances directly to the final, while the loser gets a second chance in Qualifier 2. Meanwhile, the Eliminator will pit the third and fourth-placed teams against each other in a do-or-die clash—the loser is out, while the winner moves on to face the Qualifier 1 loser for a shot at the title.

As the drama unfolds, gear up for the playoff action with our latest cricket-inspired apparel. Whether you're cheering for RCB's fiery red or GT's gritty blue, we've got you covered for every boundary and wicket!