What CSK Needs To Seal Spot In IPL 2025 Playoffs
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves in unfamiliar territory this IPL season. After seven matches, the team has won just two and lost five — a tough spot for the five-time champions. To make matters worse, regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is sidelined due to injury, with MS Dhoni stepping back into the leadership role.
Despite the setbacks, CSK is not entirely out of the playoff race — but their margin for error is razor-thin.
How CSK Can Still Qualify for Playoffs
CSK currently sits at the bottom of the points table (10th place) with 4 points and a poor Net Run Rate of -1.276. However, they still have 7 league matches left. To stay in contention for a playoff spot, CSK needs to:
Win at least 6 out of their remaining 7 matches
Secure big-margin victories to improve their NRR
It's a challenging equation, but not impossible — especially under the guidance of MS Dhoni, who has turned around seasons in the past.
IPL 2025 Points Table (Current Standings)
1. Delhi Capitals – Matches: 6, Won: 5, Losses: 1, Points: 10, NRR: +0.744
2. Gujarat Titans – Matches: 6, Won: 4, Losses: 2, Points: 8, NRR: +1.081
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore – Matches: 6, Won: 4, Losses: 2, Points: 8, NRR: +0.672
4. Punjab Kings – Matches: 6, Won: 4, Losses: 2, Points: 8, NRR: +0.172
5. Lucknow Super Giants – Matches: 7, Won: 4, Losses: 3, Points: 8, NRR: +0.086
6. Kolkata Knight Riders – Matches: 7, Won: 3, Losses: 4, Points: 6, NRR: +0.547
7. Mumbai Indians – Matches: 7, Won: 3, Losses: 4, Points: 6, NRR: +0.239
8. Rajasthan Royals – Matches: 7, Won: 2, Losses: 5, Points: 4, NRR: -0.714
9. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Matches: 7, Won: 2, Losses: 5, Points: 4, NRR: -1.217
10. Chennai Super Kings – Matches: 7, Won: 2, Losses: 5, Points: 4, NRR: -1.276
One of CSK’s biggest issues this season has been the lack of standout performances. The batting unit hasn’t clicked, with openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra struggling to set the tone. The pace attack has also failed to make an impact. Key all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja haven’t found their rhythm either.
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