How can SRH qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs? Check complete qualification scenarios

Sunrisers Hyderabad's hopes of reaching the playoffs suffered a major setback on Tuesday, May 12, when the team faced a crushing 82-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans. This marks SRH's fifth defeat of the season, and the team currently sits in third place on the points table with 14 points. Following this defeat by a large margin, the team's prospects of qualifying for the playoffs have certainly taken a slight hit. In Match 56 of IPL 2026—played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—while chasing a target of 169 runs set by the Gujarat Titans, SRH was bundled out for just 86 runs in 14.5 overs, thereby making their path to the playoffs somewhat more challenging.

With this victory, the Gujarat Titans have put one foot towards the IPL 2026 playoffs. Shubman Gill & co. clinched their 8th victory of the season, and with 16 points, they have become the table topper. 

Now, SRH fans have started to feel a bit anxious. Following this humiliating defeat, they are increasingly haunted by the fear of being knocked out of the race for the playoffs. However, despite losing the match, Pat Cummins & Co. can still make it to the playoffs. They still have two matches remaining, and by winning both of them, the team can secure a spot in the playoffs.

If SRH wins both remaining matches

If SRH wins both of their remaining fixtures, the team will not only cement their place in the playoffs with 18 points but could also finish in the top two—a scenario that would significantly boost their chances of reaching the final.

If SRH win 1 match

If SRH wins just one of the two matches, the team will conclude the league stage with 16 points. Typically, 16 points are sufficient to qualify for the playoffs; however, in this scenario, a top-two finish appears unlikely, and the team may have to play in the Eliminator. Given the likelihood of multiple teams finishing on 16 points this season, Net Run Rate (NRR) could play a pivotal role in determining the final standings.

If SRH lose both remaining matches

If Sunrisers Hyderabad lose both of their remaining matches, they will finish the league stage with just 14 points and will depend entirely on other teams’ results. In such a scenario, they would have to hope that PBKS, CSK, and RR lose all their other matches by large margins, and that no more than one other team surpasses the 14-point mark. 

SRH upcoming matches

SRH's next match is against CSK on May 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. A victory in this game could bring them significantly closer to securing an IPL 2026 playoffs berth. However, if CSK wins that match, SRH's qualification for the playoffs would then become dependent on the results of other teams. Following the match against CSK, SRH will also face the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 22 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.