They have lost five on the trot after winning their opening fixture.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a massive fan base, but their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign is off to a poor start. With just two wins in seven games and their captain ruled out of the season, fans are asking: can CSK still qualify for the playoffs? Their chances look slim, but they aren’t gone yet. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the CSK qualification chances, their position in the IPL 2025 points table, and what Chennai Super Kings need to do to make the cut.
The start of the season had hope, but close losses and some one-sided defeats have hurt CSK’s confidence. CSK’s playoffs chances now depend on how they recover in the second half of the season. The next few games will be crucial in determining whether the Super Kings qualify or fall out of the race.
This article takes a look at the CSK qualification chances, their current position in the IPL 2025 points table, their upcoming fixtures, and what needs to go right for the team to stay in contention.
CSK are currently in the bottom half of the IPL 2025 table, with only two wins from seven matches. They started the tournament with a win over Mumbai Indians but have since lost five in a row, including a recent loss at home to Kolkata Knight Riders after folding for 103/9 at home, their second-lowest first innings total in Chepauk.
CSK, though, came back to close their first win under MS Dhoni in IPL 2025 in the away fixture against LSG.
Their CSK net run rate is -1.276 after the LSG game. To keep their CSK playoff scenario alive, they will need a string of wins starting immediately.
CSK began the season on a high note with a win over MI by four wickets. A solid bowling performance helped them restrict Mumbai and chase down the target in the final over.
RCB dominated this contest. Batting first, they piled up a big total and restricted CSK to win by 50 runs. It was CSK’s first major setback of the season.
CSK lost a close game by six runs. They were in control during parts of the chase but lost wickets at regular intervals. A missed opportunity to add points early in the season.
Delhi outplayed CSK in all departments. CSK lost by 25 runs as their chase fell flat after a poor start. Their playoff chances took a big hit here.
CSK lost by 18 runs while chasing 220 with the top-order not playing as per the required run rate. Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed early, and the middle order struggled. This defeat was their fourth in five games and further hurt CSK’s playoff spot hopes.
CSK struggled in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been ruled out of the season. MS Dhoni-led side could only make 103/9 batting first as the KKR spinners put them under immense pressure. To make things worse for CSK, KKR chased down the target in a jiffy to complete a ridiculous win.
Finally a win for CSK after five straight losses with the bowlers stepping up in the first innings on a helpful Ekana wicket. The run chase got off to a good start with debutant Shaikh Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra in good touch, but it was Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni who sealed the win with some good hits in the final few overs.
MS Dhoni has returned to captain Chennai Super Kings midway through the IPL 2025 season after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out with a hairline fracture in his elbow. Dhoni, who last captained CSK 684 days ago, previously handed over captaincy duties to Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season.
With CSK currently in 10th place, having secured only two wins from seven matches, Dhoni’s appointment comes at a critical time. His experience of guiding CSK to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023) will be important if CSK are to improve their slim chances of qualification. Fans are hopeful that Dhoni’s leadership will bring stability and help CSK secure the six or at least 5 wins required from the remaining seven matches, a task so humungous that only a magician like Dhoni may be able to revive them. But is it beyond scope for even him? Can CSK still qualify for the playoffs under MS Dhoni? Only time will tell. But at the moment, everything points towards a horror season for CSK.
After 7 games, CSK has just four points with five losses. The net run rate and points are updated after the LSG vs CSK IPL 2025 match.
*points table updated on April 14, 2025.
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +1.081 |
| Delhi Capitals | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +0.899 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +0.672 |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +0.086 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +0.803 |
| Punjab Kings | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +0.065 |
| Mumbai Indians | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +0.104 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -0.838 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1.245 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1.276 |
Yes, CSK can still qualify, but the margin for error is now small. With only four points from 7 matches, they will likely need to win at least six or even five of their remaining seven matches to be in playoff contention. That is a ridiculous ask from a team that has appeared very, very ordinary with struggling players and their best batter – also their captain – ruled out of the season.
The target is to reach at least 14 points — usually the minimum required for teams to make the top four. CSK’s net run rate, which they need to improve in the second half of the season, is also a major factor, but first of all, they need to rack up wins.
The next three matches will be crucial for CSK if they are to make any effort to push for a playoff spot. If CSK can beat them and also pull off a win or two against top teams like GT or DC, then CSK’s qualification chances will stay alive. But more importantly, can they rebuild their fortress at Chepauk?
The line-up at the IPL 2025 auction was set to win games at home with their regular ‘spin to win’ template with three high-quality spinners in their XI, but with the pitches not quite doing the job, CSK have been left exposed.
As pitches slow down towards the backend of the season, CSK will have a better chance with their established spin trio of Noor Ahmad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. That said, they still need the batting group to put up reasonable totals to fight.
The Afghan spinner adds mystery to CSK’s bowling. Bought for a whopping 10 crore, Noor remains one of the best buys of the IPL 2025 auction.
Pathirana’s pace and variations at the death are key for CSK. He can close games and pick up wickets when it matters. So far, he hasn’t quite had the same impact as in previous seasons, and unless that changes, it will be a tough road ahead for CSK.
With few finishers on the side, Dube’s hitting power is crucial, and the way CSK shut shop the moment Dube is dismissed is evidence of his impact on this side. He must deliver consistently for CSK to keep winning.
The captain and opener must anchor the innings and deliver big scores. His form directly affects the chances of CSK to qualify, and so far it has been far from convincing, with the move to the middle-order also not quite working out for him.
Rachin has shown promise at the top. CSK need him to convert starts and build strong platforms in the powerplay. But after the initial burst, Rachin hasn’t quite been able to replicate his success with New Zealand.
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CSK must fix multiple issues if they are to stay alive in the tournament. These areas will be key to their chances:
CSK needs strong starts, and both Rachin and Conway must provide early momentum. If they fail regularly, the middle order becomes too exposed. With Gaikwad ruled out, the Kiwi duo will be banked upon for more reliable starts.
CSK have not yet found comfort at home. Coach Stephen Fleming even criticised the Chepauk surface for not turning. If spin starts to play a role, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Noor could bring CSK back into games.
MS Dhoni is no longer the finisher he once was, but his experience remains valuable. Shivam Dube can clear boundaries, but CSK often stop attacking after he gets out. Jadeja’s finishing form has dipped too. CSK needs late-order impact to chase big scores or set competitive totals.
The path to the playoffs is tough but not impossible. Can CSK still qualify? Yes, but they need to act fast. With four losses already, every game is a must-win. The team’s experienced core and young talent must click together. If they do, the CSK playoffs chances could turn around in IPL 2025.
But as things stand, the CSK playoff scenario is hanging by a thread. The fightback needs to start now.
Yes, CSK can still qualify, but they are under pressure. With just 4 points from seven matches, they need to win a majority of their remaining games to stay in the playoff race.
CSK sits near the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with just 4 points from seven games. Their playoff scenario depends on immediate wins in the next few fixtures, or they risk getting eliminated too early.
A team usually needs at least 14 points to safely qualify for the playoffs. That means CSK must win at least five or six of their remaining seven matches to stay in contention.
CSK are currently 10th in the standings with 4 points from seven matches. Their Net Run Rate is -1.276, which also needs improvement.
CSK still has to play against teams like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, RCB, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Many of these matches will be must-win encounters, and if they nail those, CSK might still make the playoffs.
It’s possible but not guaranteed. If CSK ends with 14 points, their qualification will depend on other teams’ results and whether they can improve their Net Run Rate.
CSK has struggled with consistency in both batting and bowling. A poor Net Run Rate and a tough upcoming fixture list make their path to the playoffs challenging.
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