The IPL 2025 has been a wild journey for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) so far, and following their 9-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 20, fans are wondering whether qualification for the playoffs is now improbable. With 6 losses in their first 8 matches, can CSK turn things around and make it to the top 4? Let’s look at the situation and find out.

After the damaging defeat to MI, CSK has quite a lot to do. The team now finds themselves with just 4 points on the points table and are now on the brink of elimination. More alarmingly, they have a negative Net Run Rate (NRR)—currently at -1.392 - the lowest of all the teams. However, while it will be challenging, there is still some faint hope for the three-time champions.

What CSK Requires to Qualify for Playoffs

Despite the odds, CSK’s playoff dreams are still alive, but just barely. Here’s how they can keep those hopes burning:

1. Win All Remaining Matches: CSK has 6 remaining matches in the group stage. However, should they manage to win all of them, they would gain a full total of 16 points, enough to get into the playoffs of past IPL seasons. This season is even tougher in that 16 points in other seasons has been enough to make it; very rarely would 16 points do it without NRR falling favorably; hence, CSK needs to improve upon their own net run rate.  
  
2. Improve their net run rate: Ultimately, CSK can win all of their remaining matches, but if they do this with a bad net run rate, their total could still leave them out of the final four, especially if other teams gain 16 points. This means CSK needs to not only win but win by large margins in order to improve upon their own net run, which is key to keeping them still in the running if there is a tie-breaker.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 38: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Full Match Highlights

Remaining Fixtures

To reach the playoffs, CSK must focus on their upcoming matches and perform at their best. Here’s the list of their remaining fixtures:

• vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
• vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)
• vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
• vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)
• vs Gujarat Titans (GT)

Each of these matches is crucial for CSK’s playoff hopes, and they will need to perform consistently in all of them. A slip-up in even one game could be disastrous for their chances.

The Path Forward: What Does CSK Need to Do?

Focus on Team Performance: Experience counts, and CSK will need its senior players, led by captain MS Dhoni, to perform to the required level. The batting and bowling departments must contribute, and every player needs to perform for the team to be successful.

Strategize for NRR: A narrow win won’t cut it for CSK; they need to win by large margins. If the team can win by considerably wider margins against these teams, CSK will gain the 2 points as well as attain a better NRR—which could be the deciding factor later on.

Hope for Favorable Results: CSK needs to perform to make the playoffs, but the results of other teams will be equally important. CSK may have some opportunity to make the playoffs if teams around them stumble; they may only have to finish in the top 4.

Also Read: Top 3 Reasons why Chennai Super Kings Lost to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Match 38

There is still hope for CSK. Admittedly, it’s not in the best position given their disappointing 9-wicket loss to MI. But if they can win all their matches, they can still squeeze into the playoffs since they will have the opportunity to improve their NRR. CSK needs to be on top of their game going forward, and they are certainly going to need all hands on deck for the rest of the season. But their pedigree and experience in the squad should make it possible for CSK to make a huge comeback, if only in rankings. If CSK can win continuously, keep down their NRR, and get good fortune with the other teams, the Men in Yellow still have a slim chance at the playoffs. 

There will be obstacles, but it’s just like they say in cricket, “Anything can happen.” So, here’s hoping CSK can stand up when they are at their lowest and manage a staggering comeback in IPL 2025!