Former India batter Sanjay Bangar has talked about the close nature of the 2026 Indian Premier League’s (IPL) playoff run-in, with several teams still in the hunt to finish in the top four. He also stated how the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are losing steam towards the end of the regular season, while the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are on an inverse trajectory and building momentum at the right time.
PBKS had an excellent start to the 2026 season, finding themselves top of the standings at one point. They have since lost four games in a row, including a loss to the Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala. Bangar believes that Shreyas Iyer’s side needs at least two wins from their remaining three matches to make sure they do not miss out on a playoff berth. The former coach also believes that the winner between the Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad will virtually have one foot in the playoffs.
“This loss against Delhi has hurt Punjab’s chances of finishing in the top two. They were flying high at the start, but now the momentum has completely shifted. They need to find a way of winning at least two out of their three remaining games to stay in the hunt of qualifying for the knockouts. Today’s game between GT and SRH will be crucial. The winner will gain a clear edge in the playoff race. From here on, every match is getting tighter,” Sanjay Bangar said on JioStar.
Kolkata Knight Riders are in a very good space: Bangar
KKR, on the other hand, were at the bottom of the standings and have since won four games on the trot to put their name in the playoff hat. Bangar was left impressed by the three-time champions’ recent turn in form and believes that, should they qualify for the playoffs, it will be the greatest season turnaround in the history of the tournament.
Rajasthan Royals are still in the hunt, and KKR are very much in the mix as well. KKR have won four matches in a row. Their team balance is looking solid. The spin attack has regained its bite, and the batting unit is firing consistently. They are peaking at the right time, which is what matters most in a long tournament. Teams that build momentum towards the business end often go deep into the playoffs. KKR are in a very good space right now. That’s why their playoff probability has gone up significantly. If they win their remaining four games, they will pull off one of the greatest comebacks in IPL history. From the bottom of the table to the top four, that would be a remarkable turnaround. It will take a special effort, but with the form they are in, it looks possible.”
As things stand, the top three teams, RCB, SRH and GT, are locked level on 14 points with each side playing 11 matches. PBKS are hanging on to the fourth spot with 13 points to their name. Meanwhile, CSK and RR are tied on 12 points, with DC and KKR closely behind on 10 and nine points respectively. No side has guaranteed their place in the playoffs, with eight teams still in the hunt as the IPL approaches its business end.
