The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 carnival has witnessed some great action so far in the tournament. However, as the league is heading towards the knockouts, the qualification race for the top four spots has become more competitive.
Debutants Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Kings already have one foot in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the IPL giants like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are reeling at the bottom of the table. The Super Kings, on Sunday, defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, considering their performance so far, not many give them a chance.
The Chennai Super Kings have six points from nine matches, with six losses. They are at the second last position with a net run-rate of -0.407 in the points table. With the tournament heading towards the business end, the franchise needs to pull up their socks. In a move to ease up the pressure from Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni again took over the captaincy duties last game. However, it is to be seen, if the move changes their fortunes in IPL 2022.
How Chennai Super Kings can qualify for the playoffs
The Chennai Super Kings have five more matches to play in the league stages of the Indian Premier League 2022. With just six points in their kitty till now, winning the rest of the five matches has become paramount. This will take them to 16 points, in the points table. However, as this IPL season features 10 teams, the Chennai Super Kings might fall short of their target, even after earning 16 points.
The table-toppers, Gujarat Titans already have 16 points from nine matches. With five more matches remaining, and just one win required, they are looking set to qualify for the playoffs. The other IPL 2022 debutants, Lucknow Super Giants, also are in a strong position, with 14 points from 10 matches. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are in a tough race, with 12 and 10 points respectively, from nine matches.
Hence, it is important for the Chennai franchise to not only win their remaining five matches but also focus on their Net Run Rate to edge the other teams in the qualification race.
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