Kamal Ghorui
After Sunday’s double-header, the IPL 2026 points table may not show a dramatic reshuffle at first glance, but the results have kept the competition wide open and finely poised.In the afternoon clash, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 7 wickets, ending SRH’s five-match winning streak. SRH were bowled out for 165 before KKR chased the target comfortably. The win takes KKR to 7 points from 9 matches (3 wins, 5 losses, 1 no result, NRR -0.539), keeping their playoff hopes alive despite staying in 8th place.Later in the evening, Gujarat Titans beat table-toppers Punjab Kings, earning two crucial points. GT now have 12 points from 10 matches (6 wins, 4 losses, NRR -0.147), moving level with the teams above them and tightening the mid-table battle.At the top, Punjab Kings continue to lead with 13 points from 9 matches (6 wins, 2 losses, 1 no result, NRR +0.855). Despite the loss, they remain in control of the standings.Royal Challengers Bengaluru sit second with 12 points from 9 matches (6 wins, 3 losses, NRR +1.420), boasting the best net run rate among the top sides.Sunrisers Hyderabad are third with 12 points from 10 matches (6 wins, 4 losses, NRR +0.644), followed closely by Rajasthan Royals in fourth with identical points (12 from 10 matches, 6 wins, 4 losses, NRR +0.510).Gujarat Titans occupy fifth place with 12 points from 10 matches (6 wins, 4 losses, NRR -0.147), very much in contention despite a slightly negative NRR.In the mid-table, Chennai Super Kings are sixth with 8 points from 9 matches (4 wins, 5 losses, NRR +0.005), while Delhi Capitals sit seventh with 8 points from 9 matches (4 wins, 5 losses, NRR -0.895).Kolkata Knight Riders remain eighth with 7 points from 9 matches (3 wins, 5 losses, 1 no result, NRR -0.539), still mathematically in the race.At the bottom, Mumbai Indians are ninth with 4 points from 9 matches (2 wins, 7 losses, NRR -0.803), while Lucknow Super Giants are tenth with 4 points from 8 matches (2 wins, 6 losses, NRR -1.106).
IPL 2026 Points Table after match 46:
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PBKS | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 13 | +0.855 |
| 2 | RCB | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 12 | +1.420 |
| 3 | SRH | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 12 | +0.644 |
| 4 | RR | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 12 | +0.510 |
| 5 | GT | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 12 | -0.147 |
| 6 | CSK | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 8 | +0.005 |
| 7 | DC | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 8 | -0.895 |
| 8 | KKR | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 7 | -0.539 |
| 9 | MI | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 4 | -0.803 |
| 10 | LSG | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 4 | -1.106 |
With multiple teams clustered around the 12-point mark and several still in contention, the IPL 2026 playoff race remains wide open.
