IPL 2025: How CSK Can Still Qualify for Playoffs?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are on the verge of elimination in IPL 2025 after suffering their seventh loss of the season. The latest defeat came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, who beat them by five wickets at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. With just four points from nine matches, CSK is currently at the bottom of the points table.

Despite the poor run, the MS Dhoni-led side is still mathematically in the race for a playoff spot. For that to happen, CSK will need to win all their remaining five matches. Even then, just winning won’t be enough — they will also have to improve their Net Run Rate and hope for favourable results in other matches. If CSK manages to get to 14 points, they might still sneak into the top four.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru showed in IPL 2024 that making the playoffs with 14 points is possible. After losing seven of their first eight games, they bounced back to win six in a row and made it through. CSK will be hoping for a similar miracle, but they now have no margin for error.