Not RCB or SRH! Historic playoff results make Gujarat Titans strongest contenders for IPL 2026 trophy

Sunrisers Hyderabad face a tough Eliminator route. The final stages promise intense competition for the coveted IPL trophy.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, finishing at the top of the points table and looking every bit like strong contenders to retain their crown. But history suggests that finishing first may not necessarily guarantee title success in the Indian Premier League. Instead, an intriguing playoff statistic points towards Gujarat Titans as the team most likely to lift the trophy this season.

RCB, GT and Sunrisers Hyderabad all concluded the league stage with 18 points, although RCB secured the top spot due to a superior net run rate. Meanwhile, the battle for the final playoff berth remains alive, with Rajasthan Royals currently holding fourth place on 14 points. Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are still mathematically in contention with three league matches remaining.

The IPL introduced its current playoff structure in 2011, replacing the older knockout system that was used during the first three seasons of the tournament. Under the previous format, the top four teams advanced directly into knockout semi-finals, where a single defeat meant elimination, even for the table-toppers. To reward consistency during the league stage, the BCCI implemented the current four-match playoff system featuring Qualifier 1, Eliminator and Qualifier 2.