IPL 2026 playoffs: How can CSK secure top-four finish despite loss vs SRH?

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a big loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in match 63 of IPL 2026 on Monday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and missed out on the chance to breach the top four at the points table

 

CSK also dropped down to sixth spot in the table with 12 points from 13 matches. However, they still have an outside chance to finish in the top four with just 14 points.

 

But how can CSK still qualify for the playoffs after losing SRH? Let’s take a look.

How can CSK qualify with 14 points?

To reach the 14-point mark, CSK will first have to beat GT in their final game of the league stage on May 21. However, just a win over GT will not ensure a top-four finish.

 

 

CSK will need Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Delhi Capitals (DC) to lose at least one more game, leaving them below the 14-point mark. They will also need Rajasthan Royals (RR) to lose their remaining games, as only then can they qualify for the next stage.  IPL 2026 Match 63, CSK vs SRH: LIVE SCORE | FULL SCORECARD | PLAYING 11 | LIVE STREAMING

What happens if CSK lose to GT?

If CSK lose to GT, they will finish with 12 points in their kitty and, with all the top-four teams having more than 12 points to their name, CSK will stand eliminated from the tournament.

IPL 2026 points table: 

Team	P	W	L	NR	Pts	NRR
RCB (Q)	13	9	4	0	18	+1.065
GT (Q)	13	8	5	0	16	+0.400
SRH (Q)	13	8	5	0	16	+0.350
PBKS	13	6	6	1	13	+0.227
RR	12	6	6	0	12	+0.027
CSK	13	6	7	0	12	-0.016
DC	13	6	7	0	12	-0.871
KKR	12	5	6	1	11	-0.038
MI (E)	12	4	8	0	8	-0.504
LSG (E)	12	4	8	0	8	-0.701