IPL 2022: Here’s how Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can still qualify for the playoffs

With four titles in their bag, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the 2nd-most decorated team in the history of the IPL. They are arguably the most consistent side in the mega-league with the most numbers of playoffs appearances. However, the team in yellow is having a difficult time in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League.

The four-time champions are languishing 9th in the points table with only three wins and seven losses after ten games. They entered the season as the defending champions, but they have been a pale shadow from the previous title-winning campaign.

A below-par auction ahead of the IPL 2022, a season-ending injury to Deepak Chahar ahead of the tournament, and the pacer Adam Milne getting injured in the season opener contributed majorly to CSK’s misfortunes this season.

However, the telling factor behind the unsuccessful season has to be their players’ current form. Ruturaj Gaikwad failed consistently for the first half, Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t turned up so far with the bat or the ball, and Ambati Rayudu and Robin Uthappa have been consistently inconsistent; moreover, they have failed with the ball in the powerplay and the death. How could one expect CSK to advance this season with these uncountable issues?

Ravindra Jadeja was appointed the skipper ahead of the season, but the rockstar handed over the captaincy back to MS Dhoni midway through the season. But it would be harsh on MS Dhoni if he expected to change the team’s fortunes overnight.

While CSK’s stocks have tanked badly and their chances of qualifying for the playoffs look distant, the four-time champions could still qualify mathematically with 14 points. With 17 matches remaining in the IPL league stage, the MSD-led side must win all of their remaining four fixtures, but some results of the other fixtures should go their way as well.

The chances of all permutations and combinations hitting the bull’s eye are pretty low, but funny things have happened in the IPL before. However, CSK could not afford to lose any game as they must win all four matches from here on. Moreover, they have to register a couple of massive victories to improve their net run rate.

Here is how CSK could qualify for the playoffs

First requirement: The Yellow Army must win all of the remaining four fixtures to reach the 14-point mark.

Second requirement: Below is a list of the results that need to go in Chennai Super Kings’ favour for them to advance to the playoffs.

If all matches go as per the above-mentioned table, then CSK and either SRH or PBKS will end up having 14 points after the league stage. NRR will act as the tie-breaker in such a case, and the team with a better net run rate will advance to the playoffs.