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    How can RR qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs after 7-wicket win over LSG in Jaipur?

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    Runfyers
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    Rajasthan Royals (RR) are one of the five teams vying for the last playoff spot in the IPL 2026. They improved their qualification chances massively with a sensational seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Jaipur on May 19. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a brilliant 38-ball 93 to help the 2008 champions chase down 221 in just 19.1 overs.

    RR moved to 14 points with one league-stage game remaining against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 24. It means Riyan Parag’s side still has its playoff destiny in its own hands, irrespective of what other teams do.

    If RR defeat MI in their final outing, they will join Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 playoffs. The complications arise for RR if they lose their league stage finale against MI.

    While a loss does not eliminate them from playoff contention, they will need Punjab Kings (PBKS), who are on 13 points, to lose their final game. Furthermore, a defeat to MI will also mean RR must have Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lose one of their final two matches.

    The other two contending teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC), are currently on 12 points with a game each left. RR, with a loss to MI, will only need CSK and DC to remain below them on net run-rate, even if they win their respective final matches.

    Should CSK and DC lose their final games, RR will finish above both teams, even with a loss in its league-stage finale.

    “I just want to play with a smile and enjoy” – Yashasvi Jaiswal

    Stand-in RR skipper Yashasvi Jaiswal believes staying relaxed and enjoying the game will serve the side well in their crucial final league stage game against MI. Having missed the playoffs last season, RR will be desperate to qualify with a win against MI without depending on other results.

    “I just want to play with a smile and enjoy the beautiful game of cricket. I think that is the fun. If we go and enjoy and relax with a smile, whether things are going our way or not, we need to be balanced and enjoy the game, enjoy the crowd, the fans’ love, and everything. I think it’s incredible that we can put our efforts into it,” said Jaiswal (via Cricbuzz).

    Jaiswal himself made a key contribution in the thrilling victory over LSG, scoring a 23-ball 43.