As the IPL 2026 progresses further with teams fighting to secure top four positions in the points table, in match 61, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on the defending champions – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on May 17. While this will be their first meeting in this season, this match will be key for a few teams, like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their quest for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
However, a win for PBKS will be crucial, keeping them alive in the competition. A win for RCB will not only help them become the first team to qualify for the playoffs but will also add value to their fierce rivals – CSK, helping them in their playoff quest. Although CSK still have two games in the league stage, one against Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 18) and the other against Gujarat Titans (May 21), their defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) handed them a significant blow. It moved them to the 6th place in the IPL 2026 points table, sharing points with the Rajasthan Royals (12 points).
How can RCB favour CSK in IPL 2026 playoffs? Explained
But with no room for error left for the Super Kings, a win for RCB tonight will just be ideal for the Yellow Army. With PBKS in fourth place with 13 points so far, a loss will keep them still in the hunt with one more game to go. The maximum they can reach after today’s defeat (if it happens) is 15 points, thus simplifying CSK’s qualification considerably, as they have 2 matches left.
Thereafter, Chennai would be required to win both their remaining matches, which could take them to 16 points. As a result, CSK will overtake PBKS in the points table without bothering the Net Run Rate (NRR). But what will happen if PBKS takes the game tonight, ending their 5-game losing streak?
What if PBKS win vs RCB? Scenario explained
On the contrary, if PBKS comes out victorious tonight, it would just add significant pressure on CSK. A win will not only take PBKS to 15 points, but it will also strengthen their position in the top four. Here, in this case, even if CSK wins their remaining fixtures to finish with 16 points, it will all come down to the NRR, which will decide the final seat in the top four.
