IPL 2025: Can CSK qualify for playoffs after their heavy defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders?

Chennai Super Kings have managed to win only one of their first six matches of IPL 2025. MS Dhoni's return as captain couldn't arrest the slide, as CSK suffered a heavy defeat against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Chennai Super Kings' fixtures

CSK have 8 more games in IPL 2025, three in Chennai and five away from home.

CSK's remaining matches

Lucknow Super Giants (Away), Mumbai Indians (Away)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Home), Punjab Kings (Home)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Away), Kolkata Knight Riders (Away)

Rajasthan Royals (Home), Gujarat Titans (Away)

What's the magic number?

In a 10-team league, 16 points (8 wins) is the magic number. In the previous four IPL editions (2011, 2022, 2023, 2024) involving 10 teams, any team which got 16 points made it to the playoffs. CSK have to win 7 of their remaining 8 games to reach 16 points.

Can CSK qualify with 14 points?

Yes. It happened once in a 10-team IPL edition. RCB qualified for the playoffs with 14 points in IPL 2024. Incidentally, they pipped CSK on Net Run Rate and completed an incredible turnaround.

Greatest comeback

Royal Challengers Bengaluru could win only one of their first eight games last season. However, they barged into the playoffs by winning their last six games, most of them by big margins.

RCB in last 6 league games of IPL 2024

Defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 35 runs

Chased 201 against Gujarat Titans in 16 overs

Chased 148 against Gujarat Titans in 13.4 overs

Defeated Punjab Kings by 60 runs

Defeated Delhi Capitals by 47 runs

Defeated Chennai Super Kings by 27 runs

CSK's task: Win and win big

CSK's current Net Run Rate is -1.554, the second worst in the league. The franchise has to get big wins to wipe out their negative Net Run Rate.

Stay updated on all the action from the IPL 2025. Check the IPL 2025 Schedule, track the latest IPL 2025 Points Table, and follow the top performers with the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.