Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were beaten by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 63 of IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, with the playoff race entering a decisive phase.
The clash holds huge significance for CSK, who are still battling to secure a top-four finish.
A win against SRH would've pushed CSK into the top four and keep their playoff hopes alive heading into their final league fixture. However, a loss has severely dented their chances. While defeat would not eliminate them immediately, it would put them in a difficult position as SRH would qualify for the playoffs and also help Gujarat Titans (GT) secure a top-four berth, leaving only one spot open.
How can CSK qualify with 14 points?
CSK can still remain in the playoff race with 14 points if they beat Gujarat Titans in their final league-stage match on May 21 after losing to SRH.
However, qualification would then depend on several other results. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) would each need to lose at least one more game to stay below the 14-point mark. Rajasthan Royals (RR) would also have to lose all their remaining matches.
Only if those results fall in place can CSK progress with 14 points.
What happens if CSK lose to GT?
If CSK lose to GT in their final match, they will finish the season with 12 points and will be officially knocked out of IPL 2026, as the current top-four teams already have more than 12 points.
What happens if CSK win both their remaining games?
If CSK defeat both SRH and GT, they will end the league stage with 16 points and put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs.
They would also need Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to beat SRH in Hyderabad’s remaining game, ensuring SRH finish below the 16-point mark.
In that case, CSK would finish above Mumbai Indians (MI), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and SRH to secure a top-four finish.
What happens if beat SRH but lose to GT?
If CSK beat SRH but lose to GT, they will finish with 14 points.
For qualification under this scenario, PBKS and RR must lose all their remaining matches, while DC and KKR would need to lose at least one more game each.
If those outcomes go in their favour, CSK could still finish above PBKS, RR, DC, KKR, LSG and MI and book a place in the playoffs.
Check points table here
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | NRR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1.065 | 18 |
| 2 | Gujarat Titans | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0.400 | 16 |
| 3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0.331 | 14 |
| 4 | Punjab Kings | 13 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0.227 | 13 |
| 5 | Chennai Super Kings | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0.027 | 12 |
| 6 | Rajasthan Royals | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0.027 | 12 |
| 7 | Delhi Capitals | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | -0.871 | 12 |
| 8 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 12 | 5 | 6 | 1 | -0.038 | 11 |
| 9 | Mumbai Indians | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | -0.504 | 8 |
| 10 | Lucknow Super Giants | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | -0.701 | 8 |
