The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw a different start as three former champions - Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) found themselves at the bottom of the points table at the mid-way of the tournament. (Schedule | Full Coverage)
After eight matches played in this edition, CSK are at the bottom of the points table with only two wins and six losses. The Royals also have the same condition. SRH have managed to win only two out of seven matches played so far.
The Sanju Samson-led RR have a better NRR (net run rate) than the other two teams and stand in eighth place. MS Dhoni's CSK is at the bottom of the table, with Pat Cummins' SRH having a better NRR than the five-time champions.
But, they still can qualify for the playoffs of the IPL 2025. Let's discuss how
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Currently placed in eighth position in the points table, the winners of the first season need to win remaining all six matches in this edition. Then, they could reach 16 points, which would guarantee them a place in the playoffs.
14 points can also take them to the playoffs, but NRR should be better than the other teams, and the qualification will be dependent on the performance of other teams as well.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
The Pat Cummins-led SRH started well this season with a big score but failed to find the rhythm after that. Their two wins came when the batters went berserk and posted big totals on the board. They need to stick to that plan.
They can still qualify comfortably if they win six out of their next seven matches. Their NRR is good, but they need results in their favour as well.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
After the full-time skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's elbow injury, MS Dhoni took over the captaincy of the CSK and also managed to register a victory in Lucknow, where he was named Player of the Match as well. But the road to the playoffs is very long.
They need to win almost every match from now on to qualify for the playoffs. They have a poor NRR, which means they need to win all of the remaining six matches to qualify for the playoffs. One more defeat could dash their hopes of playoff qualification.
(Copy updated after IPL 2025 Match 38 - MI Vs CSK on 20 April.)
