How can MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings qualify for the playoffs after their loss against Kolkata Knight Riders?

IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a disappointing seven-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk on Sunday. A win against KKR would have ensured CSK qualify for the playoffs and also a top two position finish would have given them two chances to reach the final. The loss at their home fort Chepauk has dealt a major blow to MS Dhoni’s team as their top-two finish is now in doubt. CSK is no longer in Qualifier 1.

The position suggests that if Chennai Super Kings win their final league match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, they will qualify for the knockout stage regardless of any other results. However, if CSK lose that game against DC and both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Kings (LSG) win at least one of their remaining matches, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will win their remaining matches. Winning both the remaining games will leave CSK with only 15 points, which would mean they will not qualify. So yes, it is somewhat of a do-or-die contest for Dhoni’s team on Saturday. Gujarat Titans Sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 16 points from 12 matches played so far.

What did Dhoni say after the loss to KKR?

“One of those days when you bat first after winning the toss and the moment the first ball is bowled in the second innings, you know it’s 180 wickets. Batting first I don’t think we can get close to 180 I think the dew made a big difference. If you compare the first innings to the second innings, there was a lot of buy for the spinners in the first innings and that’s exactly what we got,” Dhoni said after the match. Said in the presentation of Celebration. (WATCH: MS Dhoni autographs Sunil Gavaskar’s shirt during the lap of honor after the final IPL 2023 home game at Chepauk)

“(Can’t blame anyone for the defeat) Yes, I think so. Whenever there is no certainty about the dew, then the decision (on the toss) becomes a bit difficult. And as I said, you You win the toss and you bowl.” First and you find out that there is no dew in the second innings, even chasing 150 against their spinners could have been tough. So we can’t really blame any batsman or bowler for this defeat. They tried their best, but the circumstances had a huge impact on the game,” he said.

Dhoni on the explosive form of Shivam Dubey…

“(What Shivam Dubey has been told this season) Well we have spoken a lot, it should remain in the dressing room what we talked to him. What areas he needs to work on. The way he has worked Very happy with him. Done and it’s important for him to keep going game after game and not be satisfied with what he has done. He has done that job for us in the middle overs so that we get maximum runs So I just wish he continues,” Dhoni remarked.

“(On Deepak Chahar) He is someone who swings the ball and has a good idea of ​​the game, where to put the fielders and he bowls accordingly. He is definitely an asset. At times. .. I think he is very experienced now. Sometimes that feeling is what is the length to bowl if it is not swinging. Because in a game where you don’t have a lot of runs on the board, You have to be a bit smart.. once you know it’s not swinging (for him), it won’t swing for anybody,” he concluded.