Only one way left for KKR to reach playoffs, equation after 5th defeat
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KKR Playoff Scenario: The path to reach the IPL 2026 playoffs has now become difficult for Kolkata Knight Riders. The defeat against Gujarat Titans gave a big blow to KKR, as the team lost its 5th match in its sixth match. The team still has 8 more matches to play. What will KKR have to do from here to reach the playoffs? Let us know…

Playoff equation for KKR.
New Delhi. After the defeat against Gujarat Titans, now the path to playoffs seems almost impossible for Kolkata Knight Riders captained by Ajinkya Rahane. If the team from here qualifies for the top-4, it will be no less than a big miracle. In this match played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans defeated KKR by 5 wickets. KKR had given a target of 180 runs, which Gujarat achieved in 19.4 overs thanks to the brilliant innings of 86 runs by captain Shubman Gill. This is Kolkata Knight Riders’ 5th defeat in six matches this season. How can KKR qualify for the playoffs from here, let us know the equation.
KKR at the bottom of the points table
This defeat has given a big blow to KKR’s playoff hopes. KKR has played 6 matches so far. They have only 1 point, which they got due to the match against Punjab Kings being canceled due to rain. KKR is at the bottom i.e. 10th in the points table. This is the first time in the history of IPL that the Kolkata team has not been able to win a single win in the first 6 matches of the season.
Playoff equation for KKR.
Playoff math: What’s the path?
KKR still has a chance to make it to the top-4, but it will be nothing less than a miracle. KKR will have to win all its remaining 8 matches. If they win 8 consecutive matches, they will have 17 points, which should be enough to reach the top-4. If KKR loses even one match, they will be able to get maximum 15 points only. This will not be enough for KKR to reach the playoffs. Last year, Delhi Capitals was also eliminated with 15 points, while Mumbai Indians stood fourth with 16 points.
KKR’s next matches
7th match: Against Rajasthan Royals (April 19, 3:30 pm, Eden Gardens)
8th match: Against Lucknow Super Giants (26 April, Ekana Stadium)
9th match: Against Sunrisers Hyderabad (3 May, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium)
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Working as Sub Editor in Network 18 Group since November 2025. 3 years experience in journalism. Debuted in sports journalism with Zee News. Interested in writing about cricket as well as hockey and badminton. mother…read more