In a challenging start to the ongoing IPL 2025 season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing significant hurdles. With just one win in their first six matches, CSK find themselves at the bottom of the league standings, struggling at 10th place overall.

Under Pressure 

A major setback for the team has been the injury of their regular captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, leaving MS Dhoni to pick up the reins. However, the famed batsman seems to be struggling with his form, casting further doubts on CSK’s ability to recover. 

Path to Playoffs Still Possible

Despite their dismal campaign so far, CSK haven’t lost all hope of making it to the playoffs. Should they manage to win all their remaining seven matches, they'd automatically qualify with 18 points, a figure deemed adequate for playoff qualification since the league expanded to 10 teams in 2022.

Promising Talent Offers Hope

A glimmer of hope emerges in the form of 17-year-old batsman Ayush Mhatre, whose inclusion might invigorate the struggling team. With at least eight wins (16 points) generally needed for a playoff spot, CSK have a small margin for one defeat before the qualifications slip out of their grasp.

The Role of Net Run Rate

If CSK secure six wins in their last seven games, they would land on 14 points, placing them in direct competition with other teams for the final playoff places. At this stage, Net Run Rate (NRR) becomes crucial. Such was their fate last year, tying on points with Royal Challengers Bangalore but missing out due to an inferior NRR.

Realistic Aspirations

The reality looms, however, that if CSK lose three more games, lowering their tally to under 12 points, their hopes of reaching the playoffs would likely be extinguished.