The IPL 2026 playoffs picture is becoming clearer, and for two of the league's most talked-about teams, the dream is officially over. After Sunday's double-header on May 10, both the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have been eliminated from playoff contention, marking a dramatic turn in what has been a season of high hopes and tough realities.
Let's break down what happened. Both MI and LSG find themselves stuck on just 6 points from 11 matches. With a maximum possible total of 12 points, they simply can't catch up—especially with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) currently occupying the fourth spot with 13 points. The math doesn't lie: even a perfect finish wouldn't be enough.
The eliminations came in quick succession on Sunday. First, LSG fell to the Chennai Super Kings at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, a loss that sealed their fate. Then, hours later, the defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore edged past Mumbai Indians by two wickets in a nail-biter in Raipur, officially ending MI's campaign as well.
For fans of the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, this is a bitter pill to swallow. And for LSG, who had shown flashes of brilliance, the exit feels premature. But that's the beauty and brutality of the IPL—every match is a final, and margins are razor-thin.
As of May 11, 2026, here's the full list of eliminated teams:
- Mumbai Indians
- Lucknow Super Giants
But the drama doesn't stop there. Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are also walking a tightrope. Sitting seventh and eighth with nine and eight points respectively, they aren't mathematically out yet—but their margins for error are virtually nonexistent. Every match from here on out is a must-win.
For context, the 2026 IPL season features 10 teams split into two groups of five. Each team plays the other four in their group twice, one specific team from the opposite group twice, and the remaining four teams from the opposite group once—totaling 14 league matches. The top four on the leaderboard then advance to the playoffs.
And in case of a tie on points? The league standings are decided by net run rate, head-to-head results, and other tie-breakers, making every run and every wicket count.
As the playoff race heats up, gear up for the final stretch with fresh styles and performance wear from our collection—because whether your team is in the hunt or already out, the love for the game never fades.