Lucknow has given a big blow to CSKImage Credit source: PTI

Seeing the condition of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after three consecutive defeats, hardly anyone would have thought that this team would be able to stake a claim for the playoffs of IPL 2026. But the team captained by Rituraj Gaikwad made a strong comeback and made its place firmly in this race. But now a defeat has given him a big blow. Such a blow, due to which the path to the playoffs has almost been closed for the team because the two teams with whom it will have its next matches have already defeated Chennai this season.

On 15 May, Chennai played its 12th match this season, which was against Lucknow Super Giants. The team which was already out of the race for this playoff. But still Lucknow performed brilliantly and defeated Chennai by 8 wickets and won by 8 wickets. Before this match, Chennai was in fifth place with 12 points in 11 matches, but this defeat damaged its run rate and it now slipped to fifth place.

If CSK had won this match, the team could have reached fourth place with 14 points, which would have made it easier for them to reach the playoffs. But this defeat hurt him. This is because now only 2 matches are left for the team. Chennai's next match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on 18th May and then the last match is against Gujarat Titans (GT) on 21st May. It is difficult to say that CSK will have to win both these at any cost and even then the place in the playoffs will be confirmed.

The difficulties are greater for Chennai because it has played against both these teams earlier this season. Hyderabad defeated them by 10 runs, while Gujarat defeated them by 8 wickets. Both these teams are currently in form and are sitting in the top-3. In such a situation, the challenge for Chennai is not easy. However, the match with SRH may be better for CSK to some extent because it has to play at its home ground Chepauk Stadium. But they have to play against GT in Ahmedabad and it is most difficult to defeat Gujarat in that ground.

If CSK wins both the matches then it will have 16 points but despite this, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are a threat to it. Rajasthan has achieved 12 points from 11 matches. He has 3 matches left. Chennai needs Rajasthan to lose all three, otherwise at least 2 matches. Similarly, Punjab Kings have 13 points in 12 matches. Punjab has 2 matches left, one against RCB and the other against LSG. If Punjab loses even one match then CSK will reach the next round with 16 points.

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