IPL 2020: Can MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings still make it to playoffs?

IPL 2020: The Mahendra Singh Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings has been one of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League. The side has made it to the play-offs every single year and has won the tournament four times. But, the 13th season of the tournament hasn’t been that great for Chennai’s ageing squad, at least so far. The yellow army has managed to win just 3 out of their first 10 games and sits at the bottom of the points table.  

After their latest loss against Rajasthan Royals on Monday, the chances of the MS Dhoni-led side to make it to the playoffs look near to impossible. Are they completely out? No. CSK can still make it out the next round, but only basis results of other teams.  

How can CSK still qualify for the knockout round of IPL 2020? 

First and foremost, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team needs to win all of their remaining games. This will take their points tally to 14. Out of these four matches, two are against Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab – both fighting for that fourth spot. 

The next thing they need to ensure is that none of these wins are last-over finishes. While chasing they need to finish games with few balls to go and while defending, this must ensure that margin is decent. It will boost Chennai’s net run rate which currently stands at -0.463. 

Historically, we have seen teams qualify for play-offs with 14 points. However, the phenomenon IPL has been, 2019 saw SRH move to the next round with just 12 points – pipping KKR on the basis of net run rate. CSK will be looking to do the same.