IPL 2025: Can CSK still play out? Here's all you need to know | Mint

Here is a detailed look at the chances of CSK to reach the play -offs and what they need to do to turn the tables into their favor Chennai Super Kings’ Ravinda Jadeja (L) with Captain Ms Dhoni (C) after taking the wicket of Mumbai India’s Ryan Rickelton during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty2020 Cricket Match took between Mumbai and Chenna (IPL), Twenty2020 Cricket Match between Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings) Wanctions Stadium in Mumbai (AFP) The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, is in an unusual position in the 2025 season. After losing their previous match against Mumbai-Indians, the five-time champions find themselves at the bottom of the scoring table. However, the MS Dhoni-led team is not yet out of the fight. Here is a detailed look at CSK’s chances of reaching the playoffs and what they need to do to turn the tables in their favor. Chennai Super Kings Current standing at the IPL points Table CSK lost six out of the eight games. They are currently at the bottom of the points table with just 4 points and an NR of -1.392. Interestingly, the team has never ended on the absolute bottom in the history of the league. Their lowest finishes were in the 2020 and 2022 seasons, when they finished in seventh place in an eight-team league, and set ninth in a 10 team. Playoff QualificationsCenarios The good news for CSK fans is that the team can still make the playoffs. The franchise has six games left and if they win all the upcoming games, they can get a maximum of 16 points. Historically, 16 points were sufficient to ensure a play-off place in the 10-team format of the league. In the 2024 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) came to the playoffs with just 14 points. For CSK, achieving 16 points would probably guarantee qualification, but their current NRR could pose a challenge. Chennai Super Kings’ upcoming matches CSK vs SRH – April 25, 2025 CSK vs PBKS – April 30, 2025 RCB vs CSK – May 3, 2025 KKR vs CSK – May 7, 2025 CSK vs RR – 12 May 2025 GT vs vs vs CSK – May 18, 2025 Net Run Challenge for CSK challenge for CSK -Nrr -net just just used -1.392 will be crucial if they try to catch up on other teams fighting for the top four. Team CSK must ensure large margin victories in their remaining games to increase their NRR. CSK’s return for CSK to set up a return must treat every remaining game as a must-win. The team must address the contradictions of the batting and ensure that their bowlers carry out plans effectively. MS Dhoni about Chennai Super Kings’ strategy, which goes forward “There were cases. One of the seasons, I think 2020, was not very good for us, but we have to see if we play the right form of cricket or apply ourselves. This is the question we have, some catches, and it will help,” Dhoni talked about their strategy. “Unlike we are just trying to include the holes, with all the matches in front of us we are supposed to win, we only take it one game at a time, and if we lose a few, which will be important, is to get the right combination for next year. You do not want to change too many players, which will be important is to try and try, but if you do not have a certain 11 for next year, and will come back strong. First published: 21 Apr 2025, 01:32 PM IST