Can Gujarat Titans finish 2nd and face RCB in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1? Every scenario explained

Thanks to their massive 89-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat Titans (GT) have confirmed their spot for the first qualifier on May 26 in Dharmsala. They have been terrific in the second half of the competition. 

The Shubman Gill-led side is currently in second position on the points table with 18 points. They have earned nine victories in 14 clashes at a net run rate (NRR) of +0.695, which reflects a successful campaign. 

The exact results GT needs to lock down the second spot in IPL 2026

As of now, before the clash between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 22, the former is at the top of the points table with nine wins in 13 matches, boasting a strong net run rate of +1.065.

Meanwhile, the Pat Cummins-led side is at the third rank of the table with eight wins in 13 clashes at a NRR of +0.350. However, they have an outside mathematical chance to overtake RCB and secure the third position, thereby placing themselves among the top two.

In case GT wants to face RCB in the first qualifier, they will hope SRH does not get a massive victory. Hyderabad will need to put a huge score of 220 runs on the board and win the contest by 88 runs against Bengaluru to get better than their NRR. If they score 20 fewer runs, then the winning margin should be at least 87 runs.

See Also: Watch: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s rocket throw runs out Rahul Tewatia for a golden duck— GT vs CSK IPL 2026

In case of a chase of around 150 runs, Hyderabad will need to get the runs in around 11.1 to 11.3 overs, which will also be a tough task for the 2016 champions.

Why RCB could be GT's Qualifier 1 opponent — and what the points table must look like

In that scenario, Gujarat will go to the top of the table, followed by Hyderabad at the second position and Bengaluru at the third position. But if SRH fails, then RCB will be at the top and face GT in the first qualifier at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

See Also: "Pipe Kharab Hua Kya?" — Rashid Khan's hilarious misunderstanding with a fan ahead of GT vs CSK leaves everyone in splits

The eliminator of the competition will take place on May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The same venue will also host the second qualifier two days later, on May 29.

The final of the IPL 2026 will be on May 31 at the iconic Indian venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.