IPL 2024: Decoding the playoff scenarios for CSK
We are heading toward the business end of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) as the race for the playoffs has intensified. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have blown hot and cold this season and have three group-stage games remaining. On Friday (May 10), they will be up against bottom-placed Gujarat Titans. Meanwhile, here we decode the playoff scenarios for CSK.
CSK are fourth in the standings
CSK are currently fourth in the team standings with six wins in 11 games (NRR: +0.700). They must win all their remaining three games to go through without depending upon other results. After meeting GT in Ahmedabad, the Super Kings will host the high-flying Rajasthan Royals in Chennai on May 12. Their last league game is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18 (away).
Scenario for CSK
CSK will go through without any hassle with wins in their remaining three games. If they win two, the five-time champions will be dependent on other results as there are realistic chances of four other teams finishing with 16 points or more. The Super Kings can also qualify with 14 points but they would need many other games to go in their favor.
CSK hold this advantage
It must be noted that CSK's current net run rate of +0.700 is only second to that of Kolkata Knight Riders (+1.453). Hence, the Super Kings will most likely to have an edge if several teams are tied on points and NRR will come into play to decide the top-four teams.
CSK left without their key pacers
CSK will be without the services of two of their in-form pacers, Mustafizur Rahman (international duty) and Matheesha Pathirana (injured), for the rest of the season. Even Deepak Chahar has been reportedly ruled out of the season. Hence, CSK now have been left with Shardul Thakur, Richard Gleeson, Tushar Deshpande, and Simarjeet Singh in the pace-bowling department.
Here are the key performers
With 541 runs at a strike rate of 147.01, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the second-leading run-getter of IPL 2024. Shivam Dube has tallied 350 runs in the ongoing season at a stunning strike rate of 170.73. Ravindra Jadeja has a batting average of 50.50 and an economy rate of 7.26 this season. Deshpande has claimed 12 wickets in the season while conceding runs at 8.66.
