How Can MS Dhoni's CSK Reach Qualifier 1 In IPL 2024 To Play Against KKR?

MS Dhoni in CSK huddle in IPL 2024 (BCCI)MS Dhoni in CSK huddle in IPL 2024 (BCCI)

After Sunrisers Hyderabad's Match 66 of IPL 2024 against Gujarat Titans at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain, the Pat Cummins-led side became the third team, after Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, to secure a place in the playoffs.

With that, the IPL 2024's most crucial fixture becomes Match 68 of the season, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Chennai Super Kings in a virtual knockout for the remaining spot in the next round.

While the outcome of the high-voltage contest is yet to be known, CSK, interestingly, can finish second on the points table at the end of the league stage. How? We will will explain them here.

First thing first. CSK must defeat RCB, the margin does not matter. But then, Punjab Kings have to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad. These two results will keep CSK at 16 points, and SRH at 15 points. Now, KKR, who are at the top of the points table with 19 points, have to emerge victorious against Rajasthan in the final league match.

The KKR victory will take them to 21 points, followed by CSK's 16, RR's 16 and SRH's 15. With CSK's NRR (+0.52) is already superior to RR's (+0.27), these will gurantee the Yellow Army's position at No. 2. That will fix them play against KKR on May 21 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.