CSK Qualification Scenario In IPL 2025: Can They Still Make The Playoffs?

Chennai Super Kings started their IPL 2025 season with a win against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at their home ground, Chepauk. However, things went downhill for the Yellow Army, who lost five consecutive matches, including three at home.

Chepauk, once known as CSK's fortress, witnessed rare defeats this season. RCB defeated them at this venue after 17 years, while Delhi Capitals managed a win here after a decade.

The situation worsened when their captain was ruled out of the tournament due to an elbow injury. Fans hoped for a turnaround after MS Dhoni returned as captain, but CSK were bowled out for just 103 runs at home against defending champions KKR and suffered a crushing 8-wicket defeat.

CSK's Qualification Chances

Chennai Super Kings are now at the bottom of the points table with just two wins in eight matches and the worst net run rate of -1.392. To qualify for the playoffs, CSK must win all their remaining six matches, and not just win, but win convincingly to boost their net run rate.

Despite the tough situation, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming remains optimistic. He expressed hope that CSK can pull off a comeback similar to what RCB did last year. In a press conference, he said, "We're still hopeful of winning 6 out of 6, and some will giggle at that but RCB set a blueprint for that the year before. So while there's still a chance, we have one eye on making sure that we think the best players for this game coming up will play, but we're also aware that if it doesn't work out, that we've got to make the most of what has been a poor season."

Winning 5 out of 6 matches might be enough if the teams in the top half of the table struggle. A total of 14 points may still keep CSK in contention, but it's difficult as GT, RCB, and DC already have 12 points each and need only two more wins to qualify. Meanwhile, MI, LSG, and PBKS have 10 points, making the road to the playoffs even tougher for CSK.

CSK’s Remaining Matches In IPL 2025

CSK's next matches are against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. After that, they will travel to Bengaluru to face RCB and then to Kolkata to play against KKR. Their last home match at Chepauk will be against the Rajasthan Royals. They will end their league stage with an away game against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

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