Defending champions Chennai Super Kings and five-time champions Mumbai Indians occupy the last two spots in the IPL 2022 points table, and their qualification chances look grim.
The two most successful teams in the history of the IPL have had a disastrous start to the 15th edition, lagging behind and occupying the bottom two spots in the points table. While CSK have won just one of their six games thus far, MI are yet to open their account, losing all six games that they have played in 2022.
Almost halfway through the season, we take a look at the remaining fixtures of the two sides, and whether they can still make the top four.
CSK qualification scenario and upcoming fixtures
The Ravindra-Jadeja led side have just one win in IPL 2022: against Royal Challengers Bangalore. They have lost five games, to Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans thus far, and are currently ninth on the points table.
How they can still qualify: In the previous seasons, getting seven wins (and 14 points) on the board was often enough for a side to make the top four, if they had a favourable Net Run Rate. However, CSK have the second-worst NRR this season, at -0.638, and qualifying with seven wins seems almost improbable.
Their best bet would be to win at least eight games overall, which means at least seven wins in their remaining eight matches. Currently, two teams have 10 points and three have eight points, and CSK would need to play out of their skin to push through.
Remaining games:
April 21, MI vs CSK at DY Patil
April 25, PBKS vs CSK at Wankhede
May 1, SRH vs CSK at MCA
May 4, RCB vs CSK at MCA
May 8, CSK vs DC at DY Patil Stadium
May 12, CSK vs MI at Wankhede Stadium
May 15, CSK vs GT at Wankhede Stadium
May 20, RR vs CSK at Brabourne Stadium
MI qualification scenario and upcoming fixtures
Mumbai Indians have lost all the six games they have played this season, against Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. It is the first time in the history of the tournament that they have lost six consecutive matches.
How they can still qualify: MI have a tough task in front of them if they hope to make the top four. Not only do they have to win all their remaining eight games, but they also have to win by good margins. At -1.048, Rohit Sharma’s side has the worst NRR among all ten competing sides in IPL 2022. If MI hope to make the top four with seven victories, they will have to win all their games convincingly in a bid to pull up their NRR.
Remaining games:
April 21, MI vs CSK at DY Patil Stadium
April 24, LSG vs MI at Wankhede Stadium
April 30, RR vs MI at DY Patil Stadium
May 6, GT vs MI at Brabourne Stadium
May 9, MI vs KKR at DY Patil Stadium
May 12, CSK vs MI at Wankhede Stadium
May 17, MI vs SRH at Wankhede Stadium
May 21, MI vs DC at Wankhede Stadium
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