After 70 games, we are down to the last four teams of IPL 2026 who will battle it out in three games in the Playoffs for two spots in the final. By May 29, we shall know the final face-off and the summit clash is on May 31. RCB, GT, SRH and RR are the ones who made it through. One of them are the defending champions, one won the first-ever edition, another won in their first season and one won a decade back. All will want a 2nd crown.
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RCB’s Unique Situation
For IPL 2025 winners RCB, a unique situation could arise. It’s unlikely but cannot be ruled out. Rajat Patidar’s men could win the title without a single ball being bowled. Yes, RCB may not have to face a ball and still can bring the trophy home or rather keep it at home.
© X/IPLHow Can RCB Win Without Playing?
Confused? Don’t be! It can happen though the odds are slim. The only reason for the possibility is that RCB finished on top of the points table. This means no team is ranked higher than RCB. That is an important factor in the Playoffs and final.
What Happens if Qualifier 1 is Washed Out?
If Qualifier 1 between RCB and GT is rained off in spite of the extra 120 minutes allotted, RCB shall enter the final. This is because RCB finished 1st while GT came 2nd. So RCB are ranked higher and they got the ticket to enter the final directly.
© X/IPLWhat Happens if Final Is Washed Out?
Now should the final also be rained off despite all the extra time and the reserve day, then RCB will be crowned winners. This is because like Qualifier 1, if the final is rained off, the team ranked higher on the points table wins the title. RCB will easily win no matter whom they face as they topped the points table so no other franchise shall have superiority over them.
Who Will Win IPL 2026?
Interestingly, as many as three teams finished with 18 points when the league phase ended. But RCB were ranked 1st by virtue of a better NRR. In other words, if they win, the deciding factor will actually be NRR. Of course, the odds are less and even RCB would not want to win this way. The chances of rain are slim so we may see the winner crowned the conventional way. Who will face off in the final? Who will be champions? These questions will be answered soon enough.