Can CSK qualify for top 4? R Ashwin makes bold IPL 2026 playoff prediction
Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his IPL 2026 playoff predictions. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are nearly confirmed for the playoffs. Chennai Super Kings must win all their remaining matches to have a chance.
Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings will compete for the other spots. Net run rate is crucial for Chennai's qualification hopes.
Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his IPL 2026 playoff predictions and laid out the difficult qualification path facing Chennai Super Kings after another dramatic shift in the points table following Kolkata Knight Riders’ emphatic win over Delhi Capitals. KKR kept their playoff hopes alive with a dominant victory while chasing 143. Despite early wickets, Finn Allen and Cameron Green steadied the innings brilliantly, with Allen smashing his maiden IPL century to guide Kolkata to a comfortable win.
The result tightened an already congested playoff race. At the top of the table, Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to lead with 14 points from 11 matches, while Punjab Kings sit second with 13 points from 10 games. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals occupy the third and fourth spots respectively with 12 points each.
Gujarat Titans also remain firmly in contention with 12 points, though their negative net run rate could become a major concern later in the tournament. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings sit sixth with 10 points from 10 matches and still have work to do to stay alive in the race. Speaking about the playoff battle in his YT channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin predicted that SRH and RCB are almost certain to qualify, while the remaining two spots will likely be contested between Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.