IPL 2022 qualification scenarios: Here’s how CSK can still qualify for playoffs

We are heading towards the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and stakes in the remaining games are incredibly high. While some teams already have one foot in the playoff, others need to grind hard to make it to the final four. Chennai Super Kings belong to the latter category. The defending champions have struggled largely this season, winning just three of their first nine games.

They are currently reeling at the penultimate position in the team standings and many aren’t backing them to qualify for the next stage. However, the Yellow Army must buckle up and they have all the chances to advance to the playoffs. CSK have five matches left in the competition and they must leave no stones unturned to emerge victorious every single time.

It must be noted that MS Dhoni is back at the helm of affairs for CSK as Ravindra Jadeja stepped down from captaincy following the team’s dismal show in the initial half of the competition. The massive move paid dividends straight away as CSK defeated the high-flying Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs on Sunday (May 1). However, will it be enough to see CSK enter the top four? Let’s find out!

Let’s look at how CSK can still qualify for the IPL 2022 playoffs:

As mentioned above, CSK have three wins in nine games and they have five matches to play. Hence, a win in all the remaining games will see the Yellow Army taking their points tally to 16. Usually, these much points are enough to see a team go through. However, things might be a bit complicated this time around.

Current table-toppers GT already have 16 points and that too in just nine games. Lucknow Super Giants are holding the second place with 14 points and they have as many as four matches left to play. Rajasthan Royals and SRH are holding the third and fourth place respectively with six and five wins from nine games apiece. Hence, CSK must have an eye on the performances of these teams as well.

There’s a possibility of a team not qualifying for the playoffs with even 16 points. Hence, CSK should enhance their net run rate as well which is currently -0.407.