Out-of-favour Team India cricketer Hanuma Vihari revealed his predicted top four teams for the IPL 2026 playoffs as the tournament reached a crucial midway stage. The Andhra-born cricketer excluded Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) from his top four prediction in the ongoing tournament.
IPL 2026 has entered a crucial phase with 46 of the 70 league matches already completed. The table is extremely competitive at the top. One team leads with 13 points, while four others in the top five have 12 points. This has created a narrow gap where a single win or loss can quickly change the standings.
Meanwhile, teams outside the top positions are still in contention but face increasing pressure. With limited matches left, there is little margin for error. Only the top four teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the playoffs.
Hanuma Vihari Predicts Top 4 For IPL 2026 Playoffs; Leaves Out Sunrisers Hyderabad
On May 4, Hanuma Vihari shared his playoff picks for IPL 2026 through his official X (formerly known as Twitter) account. He backed Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to qualify but chose Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) for the remaining two spots.
My top 4
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) May 4, 2026
PBKS
RCB
CSK
GT
At present, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals hold the top four positions on the points table, while the rest of the teams are still mathematically in contention.
The commentator overlooked SunRisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals, who are currently in the top four, but backed Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans to secure playoff qualification.
Punjab Kings Lead IPL 2026 Standings As RCB Stay Close Behind In Playoff Race
Punjab Kings have dominated IPL 2026 so far, losing only a couple of matches and staying at the top of the points table with 13 points. Their consistent performances have kept them ahead of the pack, even as competition tightens in the middle phase of the season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are close behind in second place, with six wins from their first nine matches and 12 points. The defending champions have maintained strong form and remain one of the most balanced sides, continuing their push for another playoff finish.
Both Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru were among the top teams last season. They met in the final, where RCB won their first IPL title. Only the top four teams in the final standings will qualify for the playoffs.
Chennai Super Kings Struggle Early While Gujarat Titans Stay In Playoff Race
Chennai Super Kings endured a poor start to IPL 2026, losing their first three matches in a row. The five-time champions are currently in sixth place on the points table, with four wins from nine matches. They have eight points and a net run rate of +0.005.
Despite the slow start, Chennai Super Kings have a history of bouncing back from difficult situations. The team has often recovered from early setbacks in past seasons and remains a serious contender if they build consistency in the upcoming games.
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have won three matches in a row and moved to fifth place on the table. They have the same points as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, but trail them due to a lower net run rate.
The Titans have shown good balance with both bat and ball, which has kept them in contention. If they maintain this form in the remaining matches, Gujarat Titans are well placed to secure a top-four finish and qualify for the playoffs.
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