How MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings Can Still Qualify For IPL 2025 Playoffs

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)'s recent form has raised massive doubts over their chances to qualify for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following their latest defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday, CSK sit ninth in the points table with two points from six matches and net run-rate of -1.554. With eight matches left, CSK would need to pull off a massive turnaround in order to finish in the top four at the end of the league phase. Generally, teams with 16 points at the end of the league phase are all but guaranteed to finish in the playoff places. 

Last season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) qualified for the playoffs despite losing seven of their first eight matches. In fact, they finished fourth with 14 points from as many matches.

Considering that, CSK also have an outside chance of qualifying for the playoffs. However, they would have to win their remaining matches, and also hope that other results go their way.

If CSK win all of their remaining matches, they'll end the group stage with 16 points from 14 matches. Even if they finish with 14 points, they would still have an outside chance of making it to the playoffs.

CSK are currently on a five game losing streak, following the loss to KKR. CSK stand-in captain MS Dhoni opened up on the reason behind the team's loss in the 25th encounter of the cash-rich league.

"It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way. The challenge has been there, we have to accept the challenge. Today, I felt we did not have enough runs on the board. It has been the case over there; when we bowled in the 2nd innings, it stopped a bit. Today, it did in the first innings. When you lose too many wickets, there is pressure and with quality spinners, it is