Chennai Super Kings are at the bottom of the points table in IPL 2020. For the first time ever, they have found themselves in this rare position as they have the record of making it to the play-offs in every IPL season they have participated in. CSK skipper MS Dhoni has already admitted that the season is all but over for the team as not even a miracle could help them qualify for play-offs.
But they still have a chance of making it to the play-offs?
So, what are those scenarios?
If CSK win all their remaining games
CSK are currently placed last with 6 points in 10 games. If they win their remaining 4 games, they would reach 14 points. Now, other results must go in their favour. Assuming the top three teams – MI, DC, RCB – keep winning, CSK then need to hope that the bottom-placed teams do not win as many games to get tied with them on 14 points because then net run-rate would come into play. And if it happens, CSK would make it to play-offs as the fourth-placed team with 14 points.
But for that to happen – other teams do not reach 14 points – it means
KKR – currently on 10 points in 10 games – win just one out of their remaining 4 games to stay at 12 points.
SRH, KXIP - currently on 8 points in 10 games – win a maximum of 2 games out of remaining 4 matches to stay at 12 points.
RR - currently on 8 points in 11 games - win a maximum of 2 games out of remaining 3 matches to stay at 12 points.
If CSK lose 1 one more match – against MI on October 23.
CSK can still qualify, assuming the top three teams continue winning. But they must win their remaining 3 games to reach 12 points, and hope 2 or more bottom-placed teams get stranded on 12 points, and then net run-rate would come into play. But CSK's net run-rate is second worst among the 8 teams so far. Hence, CSK need to win their remaining games by a big margin, if it comes down to net run-rate to qualify for play-offs.
If CSK lose 2 matches - The season ends for them.
Cover Credits: IPLT20
