Follow UsChennai Super Kings (CSK) chased down a target of 180 or more for the first time since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 (2551 days), and that has put Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) chances of qualifying for the playoffs in jeopardy.
After this loss, they might not be able to make it through to the next round, even if they win their remaining two games. Their next two matches are against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad on May 10 (Saturday), and then they will travel to Bengaluru, where they will take on an in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17.
Wins in those two matches will take them to 15 points. However, Gujarat Titans (GT), RCB and Punjab Kings (PBKS) already have 15-plus points, and hence it will be impossible for KKR to go past them.
However, here are the scenarios for KKR to qualify for the playoffs:
> If Mumbai Indians (MI) lose their next two matches, they will remain on 14 points.
> If Delhi Capitals (DC) beat MI but lose vs GT and PBKS, they will get to 15 points
> Then KKR will have to do their bit and beat SRH and RCB, which will allow them to get to 15 points. If the above-mentioned scenarios indeed take place, KKR can still make the top four on NRR.
KKR are the defending champions, having won the title for the first time in a decade last year under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. However, their title defence might have come to an end sooner than they would have liked.