One question which has been pricking the minds of all Chennai Super Kings (CSK) loyalists/supporters is this: can CSK still make the play-offs in IPL-2020 (or) has the journey of a very successful team (and its captain) come to an end in IPL on the whole as far as CSK is concerned.

The backdrop

The situation has become rather bleak/grim for CSK which has uncharacteristically lost seven (7) of its 10 games so far. It has never failed to reach the play-off stages during the past 12 years and its still-faithful fans are praying for a miracle even now. CSK has to win all its remaining matches against Mumbai Indians, RCB, KKR and KXIP comprehensively (by huge/reasonable margins if it batted first) to first achieve the target of getting 14 points. Remember, SRH made the play-off stage last year with just 12 points; after all, what’s the harm in hoping for a miracle? In fact, miracles occur only when you believe in them!

After CSK’s tame defeat at the hands of RR last night, coach Fleming said that ‘it appeared as if the team had run out of steam’. Dhoni’s reluctance to persist with a non-performing Kedar, his habit of finishing off Chahar’s overs within the first 10 overs, not introducing spinners when wickets were badly needed, not performing with the bat, inability to step-out against spinners (against Tewatia and Gopal on Monday), batsmen’s inability to force the pace and turn singles into twos and twos into three and overall fielding lapses have all contributed to CSK’s precarious situation.

What are the possibilities

Let’s now look at the arithmetic probability which could get CSK across to enter the play-off stages:

Even if CSK manages to win the next four games; it has to hope that KKR, SRH, RR and KXIP shouldn’t reach 14 on the points tally;

For CSK’s sake, KKR should lose at least four out of its remaining five matches, which is almost impossible as KKR is a strong contender;

Sunil Narine’s ‘return’ ought to boost KKR’s chances, which may not help CSK’s cause;

RR should suffer at least 2 defeats out of its four remaining matches;

SRH should suffer at least 2 defeats out of its five remaining matches;

KXIP should suffer at least 3 defeats out of its five remaining matches;

Even if one among these three occurrences don’t occur, CSK should enjoy a higher net-run-rate (NRR) with 14 points in its kitty;

Simply put, CSK should win all its remaining four matches with huge margins and an improved run-rate.

For all CSKs’ fans, it’s time to stand united in prayer to pray for their team’s good times in the next 2-3 weeks to come!