Rajasthan Royals will square-off against Gujarat Titans in match 52 of 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur.
Both the teams have played 10 games this season and have near identical record of six wins and four losses. Rajasthan's superior net run rate of 0.510 places them fourth on the points tally a spot above Gujarat who have a net run rate of -0.147.
The Royals head into this clash on the back of a seven-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals. The inaugural IPL champions began the season in blazing fashion, winning four matches on the trot, but their momentum has since dipped, with just two victories in their last six outings.
Gujarat, meanwhile, endured a mixed start with three wins in their opening six games before finding their rhythm, going on to win three of their next four matches.
Both team stand a chance to qualify for the playoffs but have work to do.
To qualify for the playoffs a team has to finish in top four of the IPL points table at the end of their league stage matches. Every team will be playing 14 matches in the league-stage this year.
Here is how RR and GT can qualify for the playoffs
Rajasthan Royals
For Rajasthan Royals, the equation for reaching the IPL 2026 playoffs is fairly simple. Two wins from their remaining four matches should take them to 16 points, a tally that has traditionally been enough to secure a place in the top four. Winning three of those games would almost certainly confirm qualification and also keep RR firmly in the race for a top-two finish.
In the 10-team IPL era, 16 points has generally been the benchmark for playoff qualification, as seen in the 2022, 2023 and 2025 seasons. The only exception came in 2024, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru progressed with 14 points thanks to a superior Net Run Rate.
However, if Rajasthan manage just one more win, their fate would no longer remain entirely in their own hands. Finishing on 14 points would leave them dependent on other results and Net Run Rate in what is shaping up to be a closely contested playoff race.
Gujarat Titans
Like Rajasthan, Gujarat too can secure 16 points if they win two of their remaining four games. Unfortunately for them, 16 points will not be enough as they have a poor net run rate of -0.147. To have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs they will have to improve their net run rat dramatically.
Their net run rate of -0.147 is even poorer than that of sixth placed Chennai Super Kings who have a net run rate of 0.151. Along with Rajasthan, GT face Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders and CSK in their remaining matches.
To improve their net run rate they have to notch big wins over these four opponents.
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