MS Dhoni’s shrewd captaincy has helped CSK bounce back from the worst situations, enabling them to pull off improbable comebacks. Fans expected a similar turnaround for the franchise following the wicketkeeper-batter’s return to captaincy after CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad got sidelined due to an injury.
However, things have gone from bad to worse for CSK despite Dhoni being the captain, as evident from the team’s performances against KKR and MI. The Chennai-based franchise managed to score just 103 runs against the Ajinkya Rahane-led side, suffering a defeat by eight wickets. Fierce rivals MI also pulled off a dominant nine-wicket win as Dhoni watched on silently.
CSK are currently at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table following six defeats in eight matches with a NRR of -1.392.
It has been a similar state of affairs for SRH who are currently ninth on the points table after losing five out of seven matches so far this season. The Hyderabad-based franchise has a NRR of -1.217. SRH started the season off strongly, smashing 286 in their opener against RR.
However, they failed to maintain the same momentum, recording defeats at regular intervals from that point. Ishan Kishan’s form has been a major concern while the bowlers have also struggled to make their presence felt. Even Travis Head has been quite subdued in comparison to IPL 2024.
How can CSK qualify for playoffs?
CSK will need to win all six remaining matches comfortably in order to stand a chance of making it to the playoffs. The Chennai-based franchise currently has four points, while the top five teams already have 10 points in their kitty.
CSK currently have the worst NRR in IPL 2025 which makes the task even tougher for the side. Even winning five out of six matches could prove enough if the teams placed in the top half of the table struggle, considering RCB’s qualification for the IPL 2024 playoffs despite having 14 points.
Upcoming Matches:
April 25: CSK vs SRH
April 30: CSK vs PBKS
May 3: RCB vs CSK
May 7: KKR vs CSK
May 12: CSK vs RR
May 18: GT vs CSK
What SRH need to do to qualify:
SRH need to similarly win all their remaining matches, considering the tough competition for a spot in the playoffs. The Pat Cummins-led side currently has four points in the kitty and the second-worst NRR.
However, their odds of making it to the playoffs are better than CSK, considering they’ve played one fewer game so far than the Chennai-based franchise. CSK and SRH are set to face off on April 25 at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. The match could well play a crucial role in determining the playoff aspirations of both franchises.
Poll
Who has the better chance of qualifying for the playoffs?
Upcoming Matches:
April 23: SRH vs MI
April 25: CSK vs SRH
May 2: GT vs SRH
May 5: SRH vs DC
May 10: SRH vs KKR
May 13: RCB vs SRH
May 18: LSG vs SRH
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.
