IPL 2024 Qualification Scenarios: How can Chennai Super Kings qualify for playoffs after win against RR in Match 61?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 61 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.  While opening, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler saw a cautious start. However, Simarjeet Singh's bowling dashed their hopes, dismissing both shortly post powerplay. Singh clinched three wickets, supported by Tushar Deshpande with two more. Despite a challenging pitch, Riyan Parag remained unbeaten at 47, propelling RR to a modest 141 for 5.

CSK revived their playoff aspirations with a victory, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad's steady hand. He was supported by brief yet impactful contributions from Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Shivam Dube. The home side reached 145 for 5 in 18.2 overs, spurred by Sameer Rizvi's consecutive boundary shots. This win elevated them to third position on the leaderboard, with a crucial match against RCB in Bengaluru remaining.

CSK will hope their fortunes change with DC, SRH stumble

CSK, currently at 14 points, will aim to secure 16 points by defeating RCB. However, DC and LSG can also reach 16 points with victories. SRH stand a chance to gather 18 points. If RR and KKR win most of their remaining matches, they might surpass CSK. Hence, CSK will wish for DC's loss against RCB and SRH's stumble in their upcoming match for a more secure position in the tournament. Ruturaj Gaikwad was ecstatic after CSK thumped RR at home.

“Wonderful feeling, especially winning the final game of the league stage. We were cruising after the powerplay but we let the opposition in with wickets. But we had the kind of batters to finish the job and didn't take pressure. We would like to play on such pitches where it will keep our bowlers in the game, the spinners as well. Bowling into the wicket is the plan usually here when it's slow. But sometimes it flattens out and the yorker and the use of two short balls becomes important. But if it's slow pace off is a good ploy here,” said Gaikwad at the post-match presentation.