IPL 2026 playoffs have reached the business end with four teams battling for the title. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals secured playoff spots after consistent performances in the league stage. RCB and GT faced each other in Qualifier 1, while SRH and RR met in the Eliminator. The playoff format gives an extra advantage to the top two teams, as they get two chances to qualify for the final. Meanwhile, the Eliminator remains a do-or-die clash. RCB have already booked their place in the IPL 2026 final after defeating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.
Also Read | IPL 2026 fallout: Five franchises that may appoint new captains next season
The IPL 2026 playoff venues have also grabbed attention among fans. New Chandigarh is hosting both the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, making it a crucial venue in the race to the final. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will stage the IPL 2026 final. The BCCI selected the venues considering crowd capacity, weather conditions and logistical arrangements for the final phase of the tournament.
What happens if rain washes out the Eliminator?
Rain threat over the IPL 2026 Eliminator has raised fresh questions among fans regarding the playoff rules and qualification scenario. Unlike the IPL final, the Eliminator does not have a reserve day this season. However, the BCCI has kept an extended buffer time to ensure the match gets completed if rain interrupts play.
Officials will first try to conduct a shortened contest, and even a five-overs-per-side game is enough to produce a result through the DLS method. But if continuous rain prevents any play and the match is eventually abandoned, the team finishing higher in the IPL 2026 points table will automatically qualify for Qualifier 2.
Also Read | Afghanistan reveal squads for India tour, Shahidi to lead in both formats
This rule gives a major advantage to the better-ranked side after the league stage. The lower-ranked team, despite reaching the playoffs, will be knocked out without a ball being bowled if weather conditions do not allow the match to happen.
