Vihari's Bold IPL 2026 Playoff Picks: CSK and RR Miss Out

Hanuma Vihari has thrown down the gauntlet with his IPL 2026 playoff predictions, and the omissions might raise eyebrows. In a surprising twist, he’s backed Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to secure their spots, but has snubbed the current top contenders, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). This is a massive call considering both teams are currently in the playoff mix!

With 46 matches down in the tournament, it’s crunch time. PBKS leads the charge with 13 points, while RCB is hot on their heels with 12. Vihari’s faith in CSK and Gujarat Titans (GT) suggests he believes in their resilience, despite CSK's shaky start this season. The five-time champions have had a rough ride, sitting sixth after losing their first three games. Can they turn this around?

The competition is fierce, with a mere handful of matches left. Vihari’s picks leave out the in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and RR, who are also vying for a playoff spot. With the table so tight, every game now feels like a must-win. Can Vihari’s predictions come true, or will the teams he overlooked rise to the occasion?