‘If they qualify, they’ll be dangerous’ – R Ashwin predicts top 4 for IPL 2026 playoffs

Ravi Ashwin. (Photo Source: Star Sports)

The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is heading towards its business end. After the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) win against the Delhi Capitals (DC) by eight wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, May 8, Ravichandran Ashwin predicted the teams that would make it to the playoffs.

The former India spinner said that DC are unlikely to make it to the next phase. While Ashwin did praise the Knight Riders for their resurgence after a poor start, he opined that Ajinkya Rahane and Co. will struggle to make it beyond the round-robin stage. However, the 39-year-old believes that if the three-time champions do make it to the playoffs, it will be hard to stop them.

“The concept is that all teams can qualify, but the Delhi Capitals don’t look like they’ll get there. Having said that, I feel KKR will fall short, but if they qualify, they’ll be dangerous. You can’t say anybody is out, but KKR will find it hard. The way they made a comeback and reached nine points is a phenomenal achievement, and that’s why they have won three titles,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ravichandran Ashwin picked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to seal the top two spots heading into the playoffs. He added that two among the Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) could join SRH and RCB in the playoffs. However, he floated the possibility of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) winning their last four games to secure a playoff berth.

“SRH and RCB are confirmed, both of them will make it, that’s my guess. And two teams from GT, RR, and PBKS. If CSK wants to qualify, they have to win all their remaining four games. If they win their upcoming two games against LSG, then they won’t just qualify but go till the end. If KKR makes a comeback into the game, this has to be a blockbuster season,” he opined.

When you come back after a break, it takes time to hit tempo: Ashwin said about RCB

Rajat Patidar-led RCB lost to the Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, May 7, after returning to action following a long break. Ashwin said that it is hard to find the right tempo after coming back from a break. However, he backed the Bengaluru-based franchise to bounce back and eventually make the playoffs.

“RCB surely got a big break. I’ve always noticed. When you come back after a break, it takes time to hit tempo. They were too close against LSG and only lost by a small margin. Their bases are covered. They have ticked all the right boxes. Think about the dressing room, they are champions and started this year,” Ashwin said.

“They have options, can replace Romario Shepherd with Jacob Duffy to beef with in their bowling. They can also promote Devdutt Padikkal in the batting order, but I don’t think RCB will lose any of their stability yet. They have a good squad. On a given day, RCB have it in them to beat any other team in this tournament. So, they will qualify,” he added.

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