IPL 2023: Here's how Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can still qualify for the playoffs

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were handed a defeat in their penultimate match of the group phase against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 14. Despite enduring a blow at this crucial point of the season, the Men in Yellow have a good chance of cementing a place in the playoffs of the event. 

At present, the four-time winners stand second on the IPL Points Table with 15 points, courtesy of seven wins and one yielding a no-result after 13 matches played, and have a decent Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.381. MS Dhoni and Co. play their final league match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, May 20.

The straightforward equation for the yellow outfit would be to win the game against Delhi, so as to comfortably cement their berth in the playoffs. However, things would become slightly tricky if they lose the fixture, as they will conclude their league campaign with 15 points.

Assuming the worst-case scenario, which is enduring a defeat at the hands of David Warner and Co., CSK will be looking at a spot from second to the fourth place. However, in such a scenario, they will be reliant on the results of the other three teams in the top four- GT, LSG and MI.

Notably both MI and LSG have two fixtures left which includes one head-to-head match. CSK will need either of the two teams to lose at least one of their last two games which works in the former’s favour. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) too have two games left and are place fifth in the ladder with 12 points. Winning their last two fixtures would lead them to 16 points, which will be one more than CSK.

Therefore, CSK will hope that the defending champions beat the Men in Red and Gold in their fixture on Sunday, May 21 to eliminate the latter from the playoffs. Chennai are very much alive in the race for playoffs, however, a win against Delhi should see them through the last four of the event.

Also Check Here: IPL 2023: Playoffs qualification scenarios for RCB