Chennai Super Kings’ loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday (April 25) in IPL 2025 complicated their path to the playoffs. Here’s how they can still qualify.
This was CSK’s seventh loss in nine matches, leaving them bottom of the table with the league’s worst net run-rate of -1.302. They started the season with a win at home against MI, but went on to lose five straight matches in a row for the first time. They beat LSG away from home but have gone on to lose two games in a row since.
Despite making the playoffs 12 times in 16 seasons, they now need a dramatic turnaround to qualify. However, fate is now not in their own hands, and if they miss out, it would be their first consecutive playoff absences.
🔙 to the process. #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/YNvVrNGh9z
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2025
Who will CSK play next?
April 30: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, Chennai, 7:30 PM
May 3: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM
May 7: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata, 7:30 PM
May 12: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, Chennai, 7:30 PM
May 18: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings, Ahmedabad, 3:30 PM
How can CSK qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs?
With six teams already on 10 points or more, CSK cannot afford to lose another game in the tournament. Their net run-rate also puts them at risk even in a tiebreaker scenario.
They can reach a maximum of 14 points now and would ideally need a massive NRR boost. RCB qualified via NRR over CSK, DC, and LSG in a 14-point tie - the lowest playoff cut-off since the 2022 expansion to 10 teams - but with six teams firmly in place for a top-four spot, things will not be easy for CSK.
Even if they win all their remaining games, not only is a massive NRR boost required for them to stay in contention, but also at least three of the top six sides will need to suffer a drastic slump to end between the 10 and 12-point mark.
If they win four matches of the five left, they would hope that Mumbai, Punjab and Lucknow (on 10 points each) do not win more than one game, with the NRR then deciding the team that qualifies.
