Chennai Super Kings were hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial game losing by 5 wickets. Based on this match’s result, 3 out of 4 spots for play-off were grabbed by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore being already the first team to qualify.
From winning 3 matches in a row and finding the momentum, now with 2 back to back losses CSK have put themselves in a difficult position to qualify for the play-off.
Did change in bowling line-up affect CSK’s winning run
The changes in Chennai Super Kings bowling line-up appeared to disrupt the rhythm that helped the side secure back-to-back wins earlier in the season. CSK maintained the best bowling economy of this season with 9.02. They had a solid bowling line-up with right combinations and good co-ordination. It was their bowling which served as a master weapon in this IPL.
With the recent omission of Jamie Overton from the squad due to his injury, the team had to force changes in the playing 11. Overton was a key member who led the pace department and controlled runs in middle overs and also with other bowlers performing well, they had a good team chemistry. After his absence, Chennai lost 2 back to back encounters both while defending the target in which CSK posted a high total in both matches. While in the previous match against LSG it was Mitchell Marsh who destroyed CSK’s bowling, this game it was Ishan Kishan with a quickfire knock of 70 off 47 balls becoming the demon for Chennai that SRH chased the target of 181 which was set by the super kings within 19 overs with 1 over to spare.
Can still CSK qualify for the play-off
Although Chennai Super Kings still remain mathematically alive in the race for the IPL playoffs, they are in high risk of elimination. Currently placed sixth in the points table with 12 points, CSK must win their final league match against GT to reach 14 points. However, with other teams in a stage capable of reaching above 14 if they win the available games, the chances for the 5 time champions are very slim. Even if Chennai win their last match with a good run rate still it is completely a point contest now which is slightly blocking their chances to qualify.
