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The playoff race in Indian Premier League intensified after Gujarat Titans crushed Rajasthan Royals by 77 runs in Match 52 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Powered by captain Shubman Gill’s explosive 84 and a four-wicket spell from Rashid Khan, Gujarat Titans climbed to second place with 14 points, level with table leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad but behind on Net Run Rate.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals slipped to fifth place after their heavy defeat significantly impacted their NRR.
IPL 2026 Points Table After Match 52
| Rank | Team | Played | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | +0.737 |
| 2 | Gujarat Titans | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 14 | +0.228 |
| 3 | Punjab Kings | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 13 | +0.571 |
| 4 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 12 | +1.234 |
| 5 | Rajasthan Royals | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | +0.082 |
| 6 | Chennai Super Kings | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 10 | +0.151 |
| 7 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 9 | -0.169 |
| 8 | Delhi Capitals | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 8 | -1.154 |
| 9 | Mumbai Indians | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | -0.649 |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | -0.934 |
Playoff Race Intensifies
Top Contenders
- Sunrisers Hyderabad remain at the top thanks to a superior NRR.
- Gujarat Titans have emerged as strong title contenders after back-to-back dominant performances.
- Punjab Kings remain in excellent position with one game in hand and a strong NRR.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru currently occupy the fourth playoff spot and possess the tournament’s best NRR, which could prove crucial later.
Teams Under Pressure
- Rajasthan Royals are now outside the top four and cannot afford more slip-ups.
- Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders remain mathematically alive but likely need near-perfect finishes.
- Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants face an uphill battle to stay in contention.
With only a few league matches remaining, every result and Net Run Rate swing could play a decisive role in determining the IPL 2026 playoff lineup.
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