CSK Qualification Scenario: How Chennai Super Kings can qualify for IPL Playoffs 2024 after loss to Gujarat Titans?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL playoff 2024 hopes took a huge blow on Friday as Gujarat Titans (GT) thrashed them by 35 runs in the 59th match of IPL 2024.

Asked to bat first, GT posted a huge total of 231/3 in 20 overs thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The GT openers blew CSK away with a mammoth 210-run stand for the first wicket. Sudharsan scored 103 runs while Gill scored 104 runs.

Also Read: GT vs CSK: Rashid Khan pulls off a blinder at boundary ropes to get rid of Ruturaj Gaikwad (Watch Video)

In reply, CSK finished their innings on 196. The reigning champions were off to a poor start as they were reeling at 10 for 3 inside three overs before half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali steadied the ship.

The duo revived CSK's hopes with a 119-run stand. However, CSK's innings got derailed again once the partnership was broken and they eventually finished on 196 for 8.

CSK qualification scenario after the loss against GT:

CSK now have six wins and six losses in 12 games and is at the fourth spot in the points table. While they are still not out of the playoffs race, they just cannot afford too many slipups right now since seven other teams are still in the playoffs race. The latest defeat means CSK are unlikely to finish in the top two. 

Even if they go on to win the remaining two games to finish the league stage on 16 points, Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders will have to lose their remaining three league games. Both RR and KKR already have 16 points and if they manage to get one more point, CSK's chances of finishing in the top two will end.

The top two finish, however, won't be CSK's priority at the moment. First, they will be looking to make it to the playoffs. If they win their remaining two games, they will finish on 16 points and are likely to progress to the next round although they will have to depend on other results since two teams - Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants or Delhi Capitals can finish on 16 points as well.

SRH could even finish on 18 points since they have 14 points from 12 games. The good news for CSK is that DC and LSG will play against each other. The best case scenario for CSK would be that both DC and LSG lose one game each and they win both of their remaining games.

In that case, CSK will qualify automatically if they finish on 16 points. In case, DC or LSG finish on 16 points as well, net run-rate will decide the fate of the teams. If CSK ends up winning one of the remaining two games, they will finish on 14 points and will have to depend on a host of other results.