Ajinkya Rahane and Kolkata Knight Riders remain in the race for the final IPL 2026 Playoffs spot. | Photo Credit: PTI

Punjab Kings moved into fourth spot in the IPL 2026 points table after defeating Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets, taking a lead in the race to the Playoffs.

PBKS has 15 points, one more than Rajasthan Royals in fourth, and two ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders in fifth. RR and KKR are the only other teams that can still qualify for the Playoffs.

In order for KKR to seal the final Playoff spot, it will need RR to lose the early match on Sunday against Mumbai Indians, and then defeat Delhi Capitals by a margin sufficient move past PBKS’ Net Run Rate.

If it is batting first, it will need to win by 77 runs, and if chasing, it will need to complete its chase in 12.2 overs.

The team that finishes fourth will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on May 27 in New Chandigarh.

Published on May 24, 2026