Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs following their 23-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 61st match of the season. The Jitesh Sharma-led side put on a big total of 222/4 on the board. PBKS never seemed to be in contention and they lost the game by 23 runs. Following their win, RCB hilariously trolled PBKS on X. They gave it back to the franchise and asked them not to repeat their antics again. PBKS had seemingly taken a dig at RCB in an “49/1 (4.3 overs),” they had posted on
For the unversed, RCB hold the record for the lowest IPL score (49). Of course, the post reached RCB and a couple of weeks later, they gave it back to PBKS after defeating them on their home ground.
Interestingly, PBKS haven’t won a game since that post. They had won 6 out of 7 games before that game against RR. Their third game of the season was washed out due to rain.
The defeat against RR marked PBKS’ downfall and they have lost six consecutive games so far. With only 13 points, PBKS sit in the fourth spot in the IPL 2026 points table.
They have 6 wins in 13 matches. PBKS have to win their next game to keep their playoff hopes alive. The IPL 2025 runners-up have bleak chances of making it to the playoffs and even a win in their last game won’t guarantee them a spot in the second round.
RCB aiming for top two finish
RCB, the first team to reach the IPL 2026 playoffs, are now aiming for a top-two finish. They have 9 wins and 18 points in 13 matches. A win in their last league stage game will guarantee them a top-spot finish. They can finish in the top two even if they lose their last game, given that the results of other games go in their favour.
