Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are facing a do-or-die challenge in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they cannot afford to lose more matches and keep their hopes alive for the playoffs. They suffered a crushing defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday, their fifth defeat on the trot, which left them ninth in the standings with just two points from six matches. To make things worse, their net run-rate, a pathetic -1.554.
CSK have eight games to go, and will need a miracle to beat back into the top four for a playoff berth. Past league phase data is clear that teams reaching 16 points at the end of the league phase almost all certainly qualify for the post season. RCB staged a stunning turnaround last season, making the cut with 14 points despite losing seven of their opening eight games. That offers CSK a sliver of hope, but it will need to win almost all its remaining matches — and get a little lucky with results elsewhere.
Stand-in skipper MS Dhoni didn’t mince words when he spoke about the struggles of this team after the KKR loss. “We didn’t get enough runs on the board today,” he said in the post-match presentation. “It’s been tough. We’re losing wickets at bad times, and we’re not creating partnerships. That’s costing us, particularly against quality spinners.”
Australia’s middle order was a noted concern, Dhoni said. “They need to do better,” he said. “Our openers are playing smart, authentic shots and doing their job. But if we keep losing wickets, the middle order will have to take responsibility. We can’t simply swing for the fences and wish for the best.”
CSK’s season isn’t over yet despite a grim outlook. If they were to win all their remaining games they would have 16 points, a total that may very well allow them to inch into the playoffs. Even 14 points might keep them in contention, but they would need other teams to trip up. For now, the five-time champions are determined to straighten things out, one game at a time.
“We’ve got to back ourselves, we need to play our game,” Dhoni said. “It’s about remaining calm, forging relationships and seizing the moment when it comes.”
CSK fans are holding their breath, praying that their team rekindles the magic with which they became IPL legends. But with time against them, the road to the playoffs has never been looking tougher.
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