Summary of this article
RCB defeated KKR to take top spot in the IPL 2026 points table
Despite the win, the defending champs are still not guaranteed a top-four spot
KKR's chances hinge on other results
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in match 57 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 tournament on Wednesday, May 13.
Surprisingly, not one team has been able to secure qualification for the play-offs, despite being in a formidable position. Eight of the 10 teams are in contention, whereas the likes of Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have bee ousted.
RCB secured their eight victory of the season, that helped them climb to the top spot of the IPL 2026 standings also level on points with Gujarat Titans (16 points). RCB have also improved their net run-rate.
As for the KKR outfit, their defeat meant the chances of qualifying to the playoffs have gotten bleaker. Ajinkya Rahane-led side are eight in the standings with 9 points and NRR of -0.1980.
IPL Points Table After RCB Vs KKR
| Team | Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | Net Run Rate |
| RCB | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 1.053 |
| GT | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 0.551 |
| SRH | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 0.331 |
| PBKS | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 0.428 |
| CSK | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0.185 |
| RR | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0.082 |
| DC | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 10 | -0.993 |
| KKR | 11 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 9 | -0.198 |
| MI (Eliminated) | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 6 | -0.585 |
| LSG (Eliminated) | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 6 | -0.907 |
Can RCB Finish In The Top Four?
Despite registering a superior run-rate and grabbing the top spot in the IPL 2026 standings, RCB are not guaranteed of a top-four spot. That is simply because they have two matches left - Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. They must anyhow beat PBKS as a defeat could hurt their chances of qualifying.
That's because a defeat against PBKS will leave them with 16 points and even if they go on to beat SRH, they could get to 18 points but the NRR could come into play. However, with three teams still in contention - Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, RCB's hopes lie by a thread - gaining a better NRR or else it will be curtains for Virat Kohli and co.
What Chances Do KKR Have Qualifying For The Playoffs?
KKR are still in with a shout of qualifying for the play-offs albeit mathematically. The Kolkata outfit have to win all their remaining games, which gets them to 15 points and then hope for other results to go their way.
