The Chennai Super Kings need a lot of decisions and need to win the remaining 3 matches by a big margin to ensure the defending champions enter the playoffs. The defending champions are in ninth place in the IPL 2022 points table with just 4 wins from the first 11 matches.
CSK are currently with 8 points, behind fourth-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore but the four-time champions are yet to make the playoffs. As of May 10, after the 56th match of the season, 9 out of 10 teams are still in contention to get into the top 4. The Mumbai Indians are the only team to have been knocked out of the playoffs on May 9 after losing nine of their first 11 matches to the five-time champions against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
This is not straightforward for CSK. Their fate is no longer in their hands. Ravindra Jadeja stepped down as captain following CSK’s defeat in 6 of his first 8 matches and handed over power back to M.S. Dhoni. Under a captain who has won the title 4 times, CSK will keep alive their outdoor chances with 2 wins in their last 3 matches.
When asked about CSK’s playoff qualification opportunities, Dhoni said neither he nor his teammates were focused on it and that they would continue to put up a good performances on the field.
In his own style, Dhoni said, “Enjoy the rest of the IPL matches. You don’t want the pressure and when two other franchises are playing, you don’t want to be under pressure. So enjoy the IPL, if it happens, it happens. What is most important is to make sure we do well.”
By: Hari
