Here is how CSK can reach playoffs in IPL 2023

On May 14, the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were defeated by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their second last group-stage game. The Men in Yellow have a solid chance of securing a spot in the event playoffs despite suffering a setback at this pivotal moment in the season. With 13 matches completed including seven victories and one no-result, the four-time champions now sit second on the IPL Points Table with 15 points and a respectable Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.381.

On Saturday, May 20, MS Dhoni and company will face the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their last league game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. For the yellow army, securing a victory over Delhi would be the simple solution for securing their spot in the playoffs. If they lose, they will finish the league with 15 points, which may make things a little more difficult.

Will CSK finish in the top two of the IPL 2023 points table?

In the worst-case scenario, if David Warner-led DC defeated CSK, then they will be aiming for a position between second and fourth. They will, however, be dependent on the performances of the other three teams in the top four, GT, LSG, and MI, as of now.

Notably, there are still two games left for both MI and LSG, including one match between both of them. In order for CSK to qualify, one of the two teams will need to lose at least one of their last two contests. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who also have two games remaining on the schedule, are now in fifth place on the ladder with 12 points. They would have 16 points after winning their final two games, one more than CSK.

Therefore, CSK will be hoping that RCB and KKR lose to the defending champions in their matches in order to knock the latter out of the playoffs. Chennai is still in the race for the playoffs, but with a victory over Delhi, they should advance to the event’s final four.