Can CSK Still Make Playoffs After 5 Losses? Here's The Math

Chennai started their campaign with a win over Mumbai Indians, but since then, things have gone drastically downhill.

CSK currently has just 2 points from 6 matches, with 8 games still to play.

Source : PTI

IPL 2025 has turned into a nightmare for Chennai Super Kings. Once a powerhouse in the league, the team is struggling to find its footing this season. After Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury ruled him out of the tournament, MS Dhoni took over the captaincy, sparking hope among fans. But that hope took a hit yet again after CSK suffered an eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders — their fifth consecutive defeat.

Historic losing streak for Chennai

Chennai started their campaign with a win over Mumbai Indians, but since then, things have gone drastically downhill. The five-match losing streak — the longest in CSK's league-stage history — includes defeats to Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and KKR.

What's worse, their last three defeats have come at their home ground in Chepauk, making matters even more disheartening for the fans.

Can CSK still make IPL 2025 Playoffs?

Despite the poor run, all is not lost just yet. With 10 teams in the tournament, each side plays 14 league matches. Typically, 14 or 16 points are enough to make it to the playoffs. CSK currently has just 2 points from 6 matches, with 8 games still to play.

This means CSK will need to win at least 6 — ideally 7 — of their remaining fixtures to stay in contention. It's a steep climb, and given their current form, the road to the playoffs won’t be easy. But with experienced players in the squad and Dhoni at the helm, Chennai still has a glimmer of hope. Whether they can capitalise on it remains to be seen.

MS Dhoni reacts to CSK's crushing loss to KKR

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Dhoni acknowledged the team's shortcomings. “There are nights when things just don’t go your way. The challenge is always there; you have to embrace it,” he said. The former India skipper admitted that the team simply didn't put up enough runs to defend.

Dhoni also pointed out the difference in pitch behavior between innings. “In the second innings, the ball held up a bit – just like it did in the first innings. But we couldn’t take advantage of that.”

While defending his players, Dhoni didn’t shy away from sending a message to the top order. “Our openers are good — they play proper cricketing shots. They don’t try to muscle the ball across the line. But sometimes, taking calculated risks is important,” he said.