IPL 2024: How Chennai Super Kings can finish in the top 2 of the points table

This might not be a dream Indian Premier League (IPL) season for the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they are still struggling to qualify for the playoffs. Being a strong team since 2008, CSK has mostly qualified for the playoffs easily in most of the seasons. However, this season has been tough for them after losing five out of 11 games played. Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team played some amazing games of cricket in the recent matches increasing their chances of qualification.

The men in yellow have qualified for the playoffs in 12 out of 15 seasons they played. Hence, they are known as the strongest team in the IPL. Under a young and inexperienced captain, CSK will look to play well and get past the qualification which will increase their chances of defending the title. 

Let's discuss the three qualification scenarios for CSK to finish in the top 2 in IPL 2024:

1. Must win all the remaining matches

The Super Kings have three matches left to play against GT, RR, and RCB. If they win all the matches, they will get 18 points and can comfortably qualify for the playoffs by jumping up to the top 2 position. Moreover, they have just one game left in their home town so that might be an issue for the team. However, their home game record has dropped this year, so they will look to beat the teams in their backyards to go up the qualification race. 

2. Maintain the Net Run Rate (NRR)

Maintaining a good run rate is equally important as winning all the games. There are teams like SRH who are winning big games and if CSK wants to get to the top 2, they'll have to maintain their NRR well. Fortunately, the men in yellow's NRR is already good and they can maintain it or increase it in the upcoming matches. 

3. The top two teams should lose 1-2 matches

Even if CSK wins three matches, they cannot get to the top 2 position if the KKR or RR don't lose any matches because they have three matches left and have already won eight matches. Hence, the top teams have to lose matches for CSK to get to the top position. That way they'll have one extra chance in their hands in the form of eliminator.