Victory against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next game guarantees Chennai Super Kings a place in the qualifying playoffs this season. Managing a win against the DC team will guarantee CSK a playoffs spot no matter what happens elsewhere.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) slumped to a shocking defeat at Chepauk in their last game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). CSK playoffs chances have become rather slim on the back of that defeat. A win against KKR would have been enough to seal CSK playoffs qualification for IPL 2023.
However, CSK will have to wait to confirm a potential playoff spot at this season’s IPL. Their final league game against the Delhi Capitals is a make-or-break encounter as it stands.
How Can Dhoni’s CSK Qualify For Playoffs After Defeat Against KKR?
MS Dhoni and his CSK side must defeat a resilient DC team at their next IPL game on Saturday to cement their berth at the playoffs. CSK will not need favors from other teams to qualify for the IPL 2023 playoffs with a win.
However, a loss against the DC side will put their entire qualification chances in jeopardy. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are hot on the heels of CSK and may seize the playoff spot if the Capitals win this weekend.
100% wins for the LSG or MI in their remaining games after a CSK loss will end chances of Dhoni’s team’s earning a playoff spot. CSK will have only 15 points if they lose against DC, which won’t be enough to earn a playoff spot if either LSG or MI eke out a win.
What are Dhoni’s Comments after the KKR Defeat?
IPL legend and CSK skipper, Dhoni, was not surprised with the game’s outcome and singled out DC’s spinners as a reason for their loss:
“One of those days when you win the toss and bat first and the moment the first ball was bowled in the second innings, you realize it is a 180 wicket. Batting first I don’t think we could have got anywhere close to 180. I think the dew made a big difference. If you compare the first innings to the second innings, there was a lot more purchase for the spinners in the first innings and that’s what really got to us”
The 6-wicket loss to KKR is an eye opener to CSK; they will likely come out guns-blazing against the DC in their next IPL game.
How Do Other Teams Stand in the Battle for IPL Playoffs Qualification?
At least five (5) different teams have a chance to feature at the IPL 2023 playoffs round. Let’s take a look at these teams and other franchises in the battle for a playoffs place:
1. Gujarat Titans
The Gujarat Titans (GT) look set to maintain their status as defending champions with a looming playoff spot this season. A playoffs spot is sure for GT if any of LSG, Punjab Kings (PBKS), MI, RCB, or CSK don’t win their remaining fixtures.
An outright win for GT in their next game will seal a qualification spot and top two spot, regardless of other results.
2. Mumbai Indians
The MI team has two games to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and LSG. A victory in both matches for MI guarantees them a top 2 spot and automatic playoffs place in IPL 2023.
A loss in either game will mean the MI must hope that PBKS, LSG, or RCB suffer defeat in their remaining games. Wins for the RCB, PBKS, or LSG will make MI playoffs qualification chances very slim.
3. Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals (RR) need to beat the PBKS and pray for a loss for RCB, LSG, and PBKS in their remaining games. Qualification for a playoff spot is well out of RR’s hands as things stand.
4. Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants are in a precarious position this season. LSG must win their remaining two matches to earn a playoffs spot. Two losses and they are out of the picture; one win and loss apiece, and they must depend on other teams to qualify.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore
The RCB team must win all their remaining games and hope for a miracle to earn an IPL 2023 playoffs spot. The team must get a 100% win rate in their last games and hope that LSG, CSK, MI, and GT don’t get sixteen points in their last matches
