In 2021, KKR had to rely on MI’s last match result for the former’s qualification into the playoffs

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has only five matches remaining in the table stage, and yet, five teams are mathematically in the race for the playoffs. However, recently, two of the five teams have been in similar situations, having to wait until their 14th table match to qualify for the playoffs.

Those two teams are the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Rajasthan Royals. Ahead of their last respective 14th table-stage games, let us recall the last time they were hanging by a thread until the last minute.

KKR (2021)

In 2021, KKR's last table match was against RR. Batting first, the team had posted a target of 171 runs, which should’ve been easily chasable by the Royals. However, the KKR bowlers wrapped up Rajasthan's batting line-up at 85 runs, securing a massive victory by 86 runs.

🗣️ Ravichandran Ashwin on KKR's 2021 comeback inspiration

"In 2021, KKR were in a similar situation, completely down and out. But after the restart, they found momentum and went on a remarkable run to the final." pic.twitter.com/QPA54UJeKG

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) April 16, 2026

At this point, KKR had collected 14 points from 14 matches, but the Mumbai Indians still had one match left against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Indians were also in contention for the playoffs, but they needed not only 14 points but also a better run rate. In fact, for Mumbai to qualify, they needed to defeat Hyderabad by 171 runs.

In their final match, Mumbai posted a mammoth target of 235 runs. However, a team like Hyderabad wasn’t going to be defeated by 171 runs. They gave their best, scoring 193 runs, but lost by 42 runs.

KKR is quietly scripting a comeback story of their own. 2014, 2021… Why not 2026 💜 pic.twitter.com/vv61eP1cE1

— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) May 8, 2026

The Indians won the game, scoring 14 points, but their net run rate did not improve, and KKR reached the playoffs.

RR (2018)

In 2018, the Rajasthan Royals had secured 14 points in 14 matches but had to wait for the results of the Punjab-Chennai and Mumbai-Delhi games.

 (Credit- Moneycontrol.com)

The Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians both had 12 points, and therefore, for both teams, a victory in their last respective games was an absolute necessity. In fact, Mumbai had a better chance of reaching the playoffs because of its positive net run rate, compared to the negative net run rates of Rajasthan and Punjab.

However, Mumbai lost by 11 runs, whereas on the other end, Punjab also lost by 5 wickets. The defeat of these two teams helped the Rajasthan Royals stay in the top four.

If Rajasthan Royals fail to win their last table-stage game of the season, they will have to wait until Sunday night for the result of the KKR vs DC match.