Chennai Super Kings suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians and it was their first-ever defeat by this margin in the history of the Indian Premier League. With just three games to go, their playoff chances have evaporated even mathematically but it will require a spectacular implosion from the remaining four teams to help them reach the fourth spot.
Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2020 campaign went from bad to worse on Friday as they suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians in Sharjah. This was the first time that MS Dhoni’s team had suffered a defeat by this margin in the entire history of the tournament. With this loss, they remain at the bottom of the table with just six points from 11 games and with a net run-rate of -0.733, the second-worst among the sides after Kolkata Knight Riders. With just three games remaining, they can only get to 12 points. It must be mentioned that no team has ever qualified for the playoffs with 12 points in the IPL. But, such has been the race for the fourth spot that a mathematical miracle and a combination of a spectacular implosion by the remaining four teams could just about help Chennai Super Kings get to the fourth spot by the back door.
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have played one more game than the rest of the other six teams. Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab and to a certain extent Rajasthan Royals are in the fray for the fourth spot in IPL 2020. Chennai Super Kings’ next three games are against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab. They must win all three games by a huge margin (in excess of 50 runs in all the games) so that they can have a positive net run-rate. Here is what the other teams need to do in order to relinquish the fourth spot
Kolkata Knight Riders
P - 10, W - 5, L - 5, Points - 10, NRR - (- 0.828)
Games remaining: vs Delhi Capitals (October 24), vs Kings XI Punjab (October 26), vs Chennai Super Kings (October 29), vs Rajasthan Royals (November 1)
What they must do: They must lose three out of the four games and hope they beat Kings XI Punjab by a small margin. With Kolkata Knight Riders having a poor Net Run-Rate, if Chennai Super Kings win their remaining games by a huge margin, they will be level on points but their NRR will take a big boost.
Kings XI Punjab
P - 10, W - 4, L - 6, Points - 8, NRR - (-0.177)
Games remaining: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (October 24), vs Kolkata Knight Riders (October 26), vs Rajasthan Royals (October 30), vs Chennai Super Kings (November 1)
What they must do: They must win only one out of their four games, preferably against Kolkata Knight Riders. If they lose three games and beat Kolkata Knight Riders and if Kolkata Knight Riders lose to Delhi Capitals, then Chennai Super Kings still have a chance to seal the fourth spot as Kings XI Punjab can get to only 10 points. However, the situation is such one other team will get to 12 points. So, they must lose two games by a huge margin so that their NRR can take a big hit.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
P - 10, W - 4, L - 6, Points - 8, NRR (0.092)
Games remaining: vs Kings XI Punjab (October 24), vs Delhi Capitals (October 27), vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (October 31), vs Mumbai Indians (Nov 03)
What they must do: Sunrisers Hyderabad will face the top three in three out of their last four games. If they lose all the three games and beat Kings XI Punjab and KL Rahul’s team in return only beat Kolkata Knight Riders and lose their remaining games, then Chennai Super Kings can pip both of them at the post.
Rajasthan Royals
P - 11, W - 4, L - 7, Points - 8, NRR (-0.620)
Games remaining: vs Mumbai Indians (October 25), vs Kings XI Punjab (October 30) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Nov 01)
What they must do: Rajasthan Royals are in a slightly more difficult position but they are the only team that can upset Chennai Super Kings’ path. If they lose to Mumbai Indians, they can also only get to 12 points. However, if they beat Kolkata Knight Riders and lose to Kings XI Punjab, then it will be slightly easier for Chennai Super Kings.
Chennai Super Kings
P - 11, W - 3, L - 8, Points - 6, NRR (0.733)
Games remaining: vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (October 25), vs Kolkata Knight Riders (October 29), vs Kings XI Punjab (November 01)
What they must do: Win all and win big! A minimum margin of 50 runs for all the games is a must. However, their playoff chances will end if Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals and, Kings XI Punjab win two out of their remaining four games by a big margin. A win for Kolkata Knight Riders virtually shuts the door on both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.
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