Delhi: The excitement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has now reached its peak and the equation of the points table seems to be changing rapidly after every match. In the 52nd league match, Gujarat Titans (GT) made the playoff race more interesting by defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 77 runs. With this big win, Gujarat not only took a huge leap in the points table but also increased the problems for many teams.
Before this match, Gujarat Titans team was in fifth position with 12 points and their net run rate was also negative. However, the big win against Rajasthan Royals (RR) changed the whole picture. Now Gujarat team has reached second place with 14 points in 11 matches. Also, their net run rate has improved to 0.228, due to which the team’s playoff claim looks stronger.
At present Sunrisers Hyderabad remains at the first position in the points table. The team has collected 14 points by winning seven in 11 matches. An excellent 0.737 net run rate has kept them ahead of other teams. Due to continuous better performance, Hyderabad team seems to be the most balanced at the moment.
Punjab Kings, which was on top for a long time, has now slipped to third place. Punjab has scored 13 points in 10 matches and their net run rate is 0.571. At the same time, defending champion Royal Challengers Bangalore has reached fourth place. Bengaluru has collected 12 points in 10 matches and their net run rate is 1.234, which is considered to be the best among the top teams.
The crushing defeat against Gujarat has also affected the situation of Rajasthan Royals. The team has now reached fifth position in the points table. Rajasthan has played 11 matches this season, in which they have 12 points in their account with six wins and five losses. However, his net run rate is 0.082, due to which the road ahead may be challenging.
Now every match has become very important for sixth placed Chennai Super Kings. The team has 10 points in 10 matches and the next match is going to be against Mumbai Indians, which can prove to be do or die for them.
Kolkata Knight Riders team is at number seven. Kolkata has nine points in 10 matches and their net run rate is -0.169. At the same time, the condition of Delhi Capitals is looking worse. Delhi has scored only eight points in 11 matches and the team remains in eighth place.
The teams of Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are present at the last two places of the points table. Both the teams have played 10-10 matches and could score only six points. Now, to remain in the race for the playoffs, both these teams will have to win the remaining matches at almost any cost.
It is noteworthy that the current season of IPL 2026 is showing that a big win in T20 cricket can change the equation of the entire tournament. The manner in which Gujarat Titans won against Rajasthan Royals has given a new height to the confidence of their team. The special thing is that net run rate now seems to play a decisive role in the race for the playoffs.
At the same time, the pressure on teams like Rajasthan, Chennai and Kolkata is continuously increasing. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore are looking strong on the basis of balanced performance. The upcoming matches are going to make this season more exciting.
