CSK Playoffs Qualification Scenario: Can MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings Finish in Top 4 of IPL 2023?

In IPL 2023, CSK will be competing with at least six other teams for a playoff spot. And with having to settle for a point in their match against Lucknow Super Giants, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side need to be at the top their game to progress.

IPL 2023 playoffs will see the top four teams contest in four matches – Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and then the Final – to decide the winner of the 16th season. The top two earn a second chance at making the final.

The top two will face in the Qualifier 1 with the winner of that match earning a direct entry into the final, while loser gets a second shot at making the final via Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator.

In the Eliminator, the third placed team and the fourth placed team faceoff in a knockout match. So, most teams, including Chennai Super Kings, will aim for the top two positions in the points table.

As it stands, Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, are table toppers with 14 points, while CSK are locked with LSG on 11 points in second and third place. But both sides could drop down if the four teams on 10 points keep on winning their matches.

IPL 2023 Playoffs Schedule: Qualified Teams, Date, Time Table, Venues, Live Streaming Info

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians have earned 10 points from 9 matches, while Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have played a game more for 10 points. Kolkata Knight Riders are on 8 points, while Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are on 6 points.

CSK, however, will have an easy run to join GT, who are well-placed, in the playoffs as they play three of their remaining four matches at their fortress in Chepauk and the one away match in New Delhi against strugglers DC. In fact, CSK play DC twice.

CSK has so far beaten MI, RCB, LSG. KKR and SRH, while they suffered defeats to PBKS, RR (twice) and GT as well as on No Result vs LSG . They have also played 6 of their 7 away matches already. So, they need to go unbeaten at home to ensure a top four finish.

After losing four of ten matches and one match ending in no result, can Chennai Super Kings reach the playoffs in possibly the swansong for their most successful skipper MS Dhoni?

CSK IPL 2023 Playoffs Qualification Scenario

Scenario 1: CSK need to win their remaining four matches, meaning they will have to do the double over Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and KKR to give themselves the best chance of finishing in the top four.

If they win the four matches, CSK will end up on 19 points, which may be enough for a second place finish. But they will need LSG, RR, RCB and MI to drop points. Also, they will want GT to beat Lucknow, RCB and MI.

Scenario 2: If CSK win only three of their remaining matches, they will want the other teams that are on 10 and 11 points also to drop points as 17 points may be enough for a playoff spot. But, that depends on other teams results.

CSK face MI, DC (twice) and KKR in their remaining fixtures. So, by beating KKR and MI, CSK will weaken at least two challengers chances of making the playoffs. However, that one point dropped due to rain in Lucknow, may come back to haunt CSK.

CSK Playoffs Race remaining IPL 2023 fixtures