IPL 2018: Chennai and Hyderabad Look Certain of Making the Playoffs - Kris Srikkanth

Former India Cricketer Kris Srikkanth has admitted that the table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are likely to qualify for the playoff stage in the ongoing eleventh season of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Meanwhile, both the teams are on 14 points with seven wins under belt respectively, however, Hyderabad has played one match less than Chennai. Moreover both the teams won their respective matches on Saturday (May 5) to extend their lead at the top.

CSK defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets while Hyderabad at home thrashed Delhi Daredevils by seven wickets.

The Super Kings bowlers did a remarkable job restricting the visitors for a mere 127 runs. Ravindra Jadeja was superb with the ball as he claimed three wickets along with Harbhajan Singh, who returned with two.

In reply, valuable contributions from Ambati Rayudu (32), Suresh Raina (25), and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (31*) saw the home team cruise to another victory.

On the other hand, Hyderabad batsmen came good for the first to see them home. Kane Willamson took over the rope and openers provided a solid start.

Moreover, the Sunrisers’ bowlers continued their job with Rashid Khan earning a special mention.

Chennai, Hyderabad certain to qualify:

Srikkanth is of the view that Hyderabad and Chennai are certain to qualify, however, reminded that strange things happen in the second-half of the tournament. He also added that gaining the momentum at the right time is key in this long league.

“Chennai and Hyderabad look certain of making the playoffs but strange things have happened in the second half of the tournament. Gaining momentum and peaking at the right time is of paramount importance in a long drawn league. This might sound clichéd but this is the hard fact,” Srikkanth wrote in TOI.

The former national selector Kris Srikkanth also reminded that it is tough for Mumbai who needs to win all their remaining matches.

“Mumbai need to win each of their final five games to be in the play-offs. It is extremely difficult to do against well-matched teams but one cannot put it beyond them,” he concluded.

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