Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and two teams among Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) to make the IPL 2026 playoffs, casting doubt on Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) qualification prospects.
SRH lead the team standings with 14 points (11 matches), followed by PBKS with 13 points (10 matches). RCB and RR are holding third and fourth spots respectively with 12 points each (10 matches), alongside GT, who are in contention despite a poor net run rate.
Currently 6th with 10 points from 10 matches, Ashwin believes CSK’s path is tough as they must win most, if not all, of their remaining four games to reach 16-18 points for a safe spot.
“SRH and RCB are confirmed. Between GT, RR and PBKS, the other two playoff spots will be decided,” Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“For CSK to qualify, they must win all four remaining matches. They can’t leave it to chance. Even with 16 points, qualification will depend on RR losing three out of four, PBKS dropping points and CSK maintaining a strong NRR,” he added.
Ashwin identified the upcoming back-to-back fixtures against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the decisive moment for CSK. He noted that winning both matches would likely secure their qualification and provide the momentum for a title run similar to their 2010 comeback.
“That’s where net run rate becomes important. I feel if Chennai win both matches against LSG, they won’t just qualify, they could go all the way, just like in 2010. Every match from here is a blockbuster,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, a dominant win over Delhi Capitals (DC), led by Finn Allen’s maiden century, keeps Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) hopes alive despite earlier inconsistent form. The three-time champions are currently occupying seventh spot with 9 points from 10 matches.
Delhi Capitals (8 points from 11 matches), Mumbai Indians (6 points from 10 matches) and Lucknow Super Giants (6 points from 10 matches) are languishing in the bottom of the points table.
