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Explained: How CSK Can Still Qualify for IPL 2026 Playoffs After Loss To LSG

Cricket Gully | May 16, 2026 9:39 PM CST

Chennai Super Kings received a massive blow in the race to the IPL 2026 playoffs following a convincing seven-wicket defeat against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium on Friday, 15 May.

Favorites heading into the fixture, CSK failed to defend a huge 187/5. Youngster Kartik Sharma played a blistering knock of 71 runs in 42 balls which propelled Chennai to a decent score.

Lucknow opener Mitchell Marsh single-handedly destroyed CSK with a ruthless 90 in just 38 balls. The LSG opener's aggressive innings took Lucknow over the finish line in 16.4 overs.

With the loss, Chennai ended the game on 12 points and have taken a heavy dent in the Net Run Rate. The five-time IPL champions are now at sixth position in the IPL 2026 table.

Chennai have a mathematically fair chance at reaching the playoffs even after the defeat.

CSK's Remaining Matches

CSK have two league games left and both have to be wins for them:

May 18 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai
May 21 vs Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad

CSK will get 16 points if they win both matches and this will provide them a chance to make it to the playoffs.

However, for Chennai to qualify, the outcomes of the other teams such as, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals have to be favorable as well. Punjab Kings would secure 17 points with a win in all their remaining fixtures, a score which Chennai cannot match. Meanwhile, if Rajasthan Royals or Sunrisers Hyderabad win their games, then they will leapfrog CSK to 18 points.

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Can CSK Qualify With 14 Points?

Even if CSK win only one of the remaining two matches, it might just be possible for them. Chennai would end on 14 points and rely on a lot of other factors to go their way. The results required for this would be:

Punjab Kings losing all of their remaining matches. Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals failing to reach 14 points. CSK having a much higher Net Run Rate than other teams.

If they lose both of their remaining matches, they would finish on 12 points and would officially be eliminated from IPL 2026. The path ahead is challenging, but Chennai Super Kings remain in contention for a playoff berth for the time being.