IPL 2026 is heading into the final stretch of the league stage.
Ten teams started with the same dream. Only four will make it to the playoffs.
The math is simple. Win enough games, finish in the top four, and you’re through.
Fall short, and the season is over.
Teams Eliminated From the IPL 2026 Playoffs Race
Two teams have already been knocked out. Their IPL 2026 campaign is done.
Which Teams Are Eliminated From the IPL 2026 Playoffs Race?
1. Lucknow Super Giants
LSG were the first team eliminated from IPL 2026.
On May 10, they lost to Chennai Super Kings by five wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
CSK chased down a 203-run target to seal the win. The defeat confirmed LSG’s exit.
It has been a tough season. They have lost eight of 11 games and sit last in the points table.
Rishabh Pant’s side never found consistency, and it has cost them.
2. Mumbai Indians
MI became the second team to exit the playoff race, also on May 10.
They posted 166/7 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which looked competitive.
But RCB chased it down with two wickets to spare, ending MI’s campaign.
Mumbai’s season has been a frustrating one. A strong squad on paper, but too many close losses have added up.
With no path back into the top four, Hardik Pandya’s side is out.
How the Playoffs Format Works?
Only four teams from the 10 qualify. Here is how the knockouts work:
| Stage | Teams Involved | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | 1st vs 2nd | Winner goes to final |
| Eliminator | 3rd vs 4th | Loser goes home |
| Qualifier 2 | Q1 loser vs Eliminator winner | Winner goes to final |
| Final | Q1 winner vs Q2 winner | Title decider |
Teams finishing 1st and 2nd get two chances to reach the final. Teams finishing 3rd and 4th must win back-to-back games.
Who Is Still in the Race?
Eight teams still have a shot at a top-four finish. The points table will shift with every game from here. Expect the picture to get clearer over the next few rounds.
FAQs
- How many teams qualify for the IPL playoffs?
Four teams qualify from the 10 competing in the league stage.
- Which was the first team eliminated from IPL 2026?
Lucknow Super Giants were the first team knocked out, after losing to CSK on May 10.
- Can an eliminated team still play in IPL 2026?
No. Once a team is mathematically out of the top-four race, their season ends with the league stage.
- How is IPL 2026 elimination decided?
It comes down to points and net run rate. A team is eliminated when they can no longer finish in the top four even if they win all remaining games.
Conclusion:
LSG and MI are out. The rest are still fighting. If you’re tracking the IPL 2026 standings, this is the list to watch as more teams get confirmed or knocked out.
Also Check:
About the Author
