IPL 2025: Can CSK still qualify for playoffs after SRH defeat?

Chennai Super Kings’ campaign in the IPL 2025 seems to be going from bad to worse. The five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad last night – their first to SRH in Chennai – was CSK’s seventh loss in nine matches so far, keeping them at the bottom of the points table.

 

In fact, four defeats this season have come on their home ground at Chepauk – a far cry from their golden days when it used to be their fortress. Though club icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni took over the captaincy from an injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, there was not turnaround in the team’s fortunes.

 

Last night, CSK were bowled out for a mere 154 runs, with SRH chasing it down with eight balls to spare. Dhoni did not mince any words at the post-match presentation, saying it’s difficult for a team to win when four-five players are out of form at the same time. The skipper himself is one among these players, as he has failed to fire consistently, and has faced a lot of flak for coming down the batting order.

 

CSK have tried out 19 players in nine matches so far. "If majority are doing well then you give those guys that extra few games and if it doesn't work out than you move on to the next one. But, if four of them are not performing at the same time, you are bound to make that change, because you can't just keep on going," Dhoni said.

 

IPL 2025: How can Chennai Super Kings still qualify for playoffs?

 

CSK have five games to go this season:

 

April 30: vs Punjab Kings

May 3: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

May 7: vs Kolkata Knight Riders

May 12: vs Rajasthan Royals

May 18: vs Gujarat Titans

 

The Chennai side needs to win all these matches to remain in the IPL 2025 playoffs mix. They will have 14 points if they do it. But, that alone will not be sufficient to guarantee them a place in the playoffs. The other results, too, need to go in their favour.

 

Gujarat Titans lead the IPL 2025 team table with 12 points in eight matches. Both Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, too, have 12 points but are second and third as per the run rate.

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