As the IPL 2026 group stage approaches its conclusion, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has named Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the most likely teams to qualify for the playoffs. Currently, SRH tops the table with 14 points, followed closely by RCB with 13 points. Ashwin believes that the remaining playoff spots will be contested among Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings, all of whom have 12 points. For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who sit at 10 points, Ashwin stresses the importance of winning all four of their remaining matches. He noted that even if CSK reaches 16 points, their playoff hopes would depend on the performance of other teams, specifically requiring Rajasthan Royals to lose three out of four matches. Ashwin highlighted that net run rate (NRR) will play a significant role in CSK's qualification scenario, stating that if CSK wins their matches against Lucknow Super Giants, they could not only qualify but also make a deep run in the tournament, reminiscent of their success in 2010.