Can CSK pull off a miracle? Dhoni’s side eye six straight wins after sixth loss

Photo: iplt20/BCCI

Chennai Super Kings suffered their sixth defeat of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, this time at the hands of Mumbai Indians. While CSK had emerged victorious in their first encounter against the five-time champions, the tide turned in the reverse fixture.

Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians are now on a three-match winning streak, with their latest win coming at the expense of the struggling CSK side. Tactical errors and questionable decisions proved costly for CSK, as their first-innings total of 176 at the loss of five wickets was never going to be enough against a formidable Mumbai batting lineup. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav effortlessly dismantled the target, exposing the flaws in CSK's bowling and match strategy.

With eight matches played so far, CSK's record stands at just two wins and six losses, and their net run rate (NRR) has plummeted to -1.392. The road to the playoffs is now exceptionally challenging for the MS Dhoni-led team. Despite the setback, the Yellow Army remains mathematically in contention for a spot in the knockouts. However, the margin for error is now nonexistent.

To keep their playoff hopes alive, CSK must win all of their remaining six league-stage matches. A flawless run would take them to 16 points, a total that typically secures a playoff berth. However, considering their dismal NRR, mere victories might not suffice, they need convincing wins to significantly improve their run rate and strengthen their chances in the case of a tie on points.

If CSK were to lose even one more game, their chances of qualification would drop drastically. While it is not entirely impossible to make the playoffs with 14 points (precisely seven wins), it becomes highly improbable for CSK due to their negative NRR. In such a scenario, their fate would hinge on other results and a massive turnaround in their net run rate, an unlikely proposition given the current standings.

With no room left for slip-ups, every match is now a virtual knockout, and the team must rise to the occasion if they wish to stay in the race for IPL 2025 playoffs.