Sunil Gavaskar gives his verdict on 2 teams to play IPL 2026 final after MI elimination

As the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs intensifies, every game is beginning to feel like a knockout clash. With teams battling to stay alive in the competition, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has already predicted the two sides he believes will reach the final – and it could turn out to be a repeat of last season.

India great Sunil Gavaskar has backed Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to play the IPL 2026 final after Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants were officially eliminated from the playoff race.

Advertisement

RCB scripted one of the most dramatic wins in IPL history on Sunday night, edging past Mumbai Indians by two wickets in a last-ball thriller.

The defeat marked Mumbai’s eighth loss in 11 games, ending their hopes of reaching the playoffs. Meanwhile, RCB climbed to the top of the points table with their seventh win of the season.

Punjab Kings, meanwhile, have endured a slight dip in form after a blazing start to their campaign. Following three straight defeats, PBKS now find themselves searching for momentum again.

However, with 13 points already secured, they remain firmly in contention and currently occupy fourth place in the standings.

“I would still back Punjab Kings. Sometimes, a couple of losses can actually help a team reset and avoid complacency. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have lost games they should have won, and that has been a recurring issue for them this season,” Gavaskar said on JioStar.

“Punjab will know how important this stage of the tournament is, and they won’t want self-doubt creeping in with another defeat. I still see Punjab Kings and RCB as my finalists for this season,” he added.

With Mumbai Indians now out of the playoff race, Gavaskar also suggested that the franchise should use the remainder of the season to test younger players under pressure situations.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB coach Andy Flower fined after heated umpire exchange during thriller win over MI

“In T20 cricket, ups and downs are bound to happen. Once the season ends, that’s the right time to properly assess what went wrong. But at this stage, my view is that the senior players have given everything they had,” Gavaskar said.

“Now, it may be the right opportunity to give younger players a chance in the remaining matches. That will help the franchise understand how these youngsters handle pressure and whether they can justify the faith shown in them,” he added.

Punjab Kings are set to face Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Monday evening in a crucial clash for the playoff race.