By IPL 2025: Can MS Dhoni’s CSK Still Qualify for Playoffs? Complete Qualification Scenarios Explained, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are not entirely out of the playoff race—yet. With just one win from their first six matches, CSK currently sits ninth on the points table with only two points and a troubling net run rate of -1.554. Their latest defeat came at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), marking their fifth consecutive loss in the ongoing campaign.
While CSK’s form has sparked major concerns among fans and experts alike, the five-time champions still have a mathematical chance of making the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, the road ahead is far from easy and would require a dramatic turnaround—not just from CSK themselves but also a favorable alignment of other match results.
What CSK Needs to Do to Qualify
With eight league matches remaining, CSK can still accumulate a maximum of 16 points by winning all their remaining fixtures. Historically, teams that reach the 16-point mark are almost always assured of a place in the top four, thereby qualifying for the playoffs. In some rare cases, even 14 points have been enough, depending on the net run rate and results of other teams.
A look back at past seasons offers some hope. For instance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a stunning comeback in a previous season, qualifying for the playoffs despite losing seven of their first eight games and finishing with 14 points. This precedent keeps CSK’s hopes alive, albeit marginally.
The Challenge Ahead
CSK’s poor form this season has been a combination of batting collapses, lackluster middle-order performances, and inconsistent bowling. Their loss to KKR further exposed their vulnerabilities, with the team once again failing to post a competitive total on the board.
Following the match, stand-in captain MS Dhoni addressed the team’s ongoing issues. “It has been quite a few nights that have not gone our way. The challenge has been there, and we have to accept it. Today, we didn’t have enough runs on the board, and when we bowled in the second innings, the pitch started to slow down. But when you lose too many wickets early, the pressure builds. And with quality spinners in the opposition, it becomes even tougher,” Dhoni explained.
He also pointed out that the team lacked crucial partnerships and that a little more application could have changed the game. “A few partnerships and better shot selection could’ve helped us. What’s important is to read the conditions properly and adapt quickly.”
Dhoni’s Message to the Middle Order
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter didn’t shy away from highlighting the underperformance of the middle order, emphasizing that they need to shoulder more responsibility moving forward.
“Our openers are quality players—they play proper cricketing shots and don’t go for blind slogs. But if we keep losing wickets, it puts a lot of pressure on the middle order. The key is not to panic while chasing or setting targets. If we get partnerships going, we can capitalize in the middle and death overs. The slogging phase needs to be delayed unless we’re in a comfortable position,” Dhoni added.
The Final Word
For CSK to turn things around and qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, a perfect run from here on is nearly essential. Winning all eight of their remaining matches would take them to 16 points—a tally that has historically been enough to seal a playoff berth. Even with 14 points, there’s a slim chance if the net run rate improves significantly and other teams drop points.
While the odds are stacked against them, one can never count out a side led by MS Dhoni.
