Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer has predicted that Rajasthan Royals will miss the IPL 2026 playoffs after they suffered a huge loss of 77 runs against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Saturday.

Chasing a par score of 230 runs, RR were bowled out for 152 as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. RR had got off to a promising start in the season, winning their first three matches of the season but have veered off the track. The inaugural champions have won six games but have also suffered five losses in 11 games.

With the playoff race getting intense, RR will need to be at their absolute best in the last three games. Jaffer reckons Delhi Capitals are also out of the playoff race after only four wins in 11 games.

“I think DC and RR are out of the race. I will keep them out. I had backed them a lot, but I feel they have lost the gear. I will say Punjab and RCB. GT, SRH, and CSK. Either of these five will make the top four. I think Rajasthan crumbles as a team under pressure. The same with DC. They have been disappointing the way they are playing. There are issues with the team selection as well. You are playing Nissanka but keeping Prithvi out,” he said on his YouTube channel.

On the other hand, former flamboyant batter backed Chennai Super Kings to beat Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday.

“I think CSK are favorites. They have the momentum, and the team is on a roller coaster. The team is clicking, the batting has been good. Bowling, I think Gaikwad is using the players well, and the captaincy has been good. LSG are also coming off a win, but it was a very close game. CSK have picked up. Samson is scoring, Gaikwad has got runs. Urvil is looking good and Kartik as well, in the last two games he has scored. I am happy, as I did not want him to be a failed story,” he said.

All teams would need to bring their A-game at this crucial junction of the tournament to qualify for the last four.