Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) hopes in the IPL 2024 playoffs suffered a major blow on Friday when they were defeated by Gujarat Titans (GT) by 35 runs in the 59th match of IPL 2024.
When asked to bat first, GT posted a massive total of 231/3 in 20 overs thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The GT openers surprised CSK with a mammoth 210-run stand for the first wicket. Sudharsan scored 103 runs while Gill scored 104 runs.
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In reply, CSK ended their innings on 196. The reigning champions got off to a poor start as they were reeling at 10 for 3 in three overs before half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali steadied the ship.
The duo revived CSK’s hopes with a 119-run victory. However, CSK’s innings went off the rails again once the partnership was broken and they eventually finished at 196 for 8.
CSK’s classification scenario after the defeat against GT:
CSK now has six wins and six losses in 12 matches and is at fourth place in the points table. While they are not out of the playoff race yet, they simply cannot afford too many mistakes right now as seven other teams are still in the playoff race. The latest defeat means CSK are unlikely to finish in the top two.
Even if they win the remaining two matches to finish the league stage with 16 points, Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders will have to lose the remaining three league matches. Both RR and KKR already have 16 points and if they manage to add one more point, CSK’s chances of finishing in the top two will be over.
However, finishing in the top two will not be CSK’s priority for the moment. First, they will try to make the playoffs. If they win the remaining two matches, they will finish with 16 points and are likely to progress to the next round, although they will have to depend on other results as two teams – Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants or Delhi Capitals can finish with 16 points. also.
SRH could even finish with 18 points as they have 14 points from 12 games. The good news for CSK is that DC and LSG will face each other. The best case scenario for CSK would be for both DC and LSG to lose one game each and win the remaining two games.
In that case, CSK will automatically qualify if they finish with 16 points. In case DC or LSG also finish with 16 points, the net run rate will decide the fate of the teams. If CSK ends up winning one of the two remaining matches, they will end up with 14 points and will have to depend on many other results.