Can CSK still qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs?

It was a bottom-of-the-table clash as Chennai Super Kings hosted Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk. Both the teams, with just two wins in eight matches, staged the ultimate struggle in IPL 2025. As the CSK vs SRH match unfolded, the loopholes in the squad and the team performances were highlighted. At the end of the match, SRH claimed their first win over CSK at Chepauk in IPL history. SRH rose to the 8th spot in the points table with 6 points. Rajasthan Royals dropped to the ninth position while Chennai Super Kings stayed put at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. With just 5 league stage matches remaining, let's take a look if CSK has any chances of making it into the IPL 2025 playoffs.

Can Chennai Super Kings make it to IPL 2025 playoffs after the defeat in CSK vs SRH match?

Before the CSK vs SRH match, the equation for both SRH and CSK was pretty simple. Win the remaining six matches and fight against the other teams' NRR with 16 points in the kitty. After a disappointing outing with the bat where the home team could manage just 154, the bowlers showed up for CSK. While the five wickets in the chase brought the contest close, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Kamindu Mendis saw the chase off in the penultimate over. With the win, SRH is still in the race to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, no matter how slim a chance.

Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, are all but out from the IPL 2025 playoffs contention. While it looks far-fetched, even if CSK win all their matches from here, the maximum points they can get are 14. It would take a wonder for the five-time champions to still take an aim at the trophy. Many other teams would need to lose for CSK to make it. With GT, DC, and RCB already at 12 points, only the fourth spot remains open. MI, PBKS, and LSG are at 10 points with just three wins required for them to eliminate CSK from the equation. Mathematically and in the extreme cases of optimism, CSK is still alive. However, practically, CSK is all but eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoffs race.

With 5 matches remaining, Chennai Super Kings would aim to leave the bottom spot at the points table. Moreover, with a rematch scheduled against the likes of RCB, RR, and KKR, the side led by MS Dhoni would bank on avenging their previous defeats. The remaining matches include a face-off against Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans respectively. From here on, CSK can spoil the party for some and work on building a stronger team for the next seasons. However, IPL 2025 playoffs chances elude CSK from here on.