Chennai Super Kings’ late push for a play-off spot in the Indian Premier League 2026 suffered a massive jolt after the side lost to Lucknow Super Giants on Friday, May 15. At the Ekana Stadium, the already eliminated LSG inflicted a heavy defeat on CSK by seven wickets.
Mitchell Marsh played a sensational 90 off just 38 balls to help the hosts chase down the target of 188 in just 16.4 overs. After the defeat, CSK remained sixth in the table with 12 points from 12 matches.
CSK now have just two matches left in the group stage, against SunRisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, both teams firmly in the playoffs.
The big question now is whether CSK can still qualify for the playoffs after losing to LSG.
Simply put, CSK have made the equation fairly straightforward for themselves. They must win both of their remaining games to have the best chance of finishing in the top four.
But can they qualify even if they lose one of their last two games? Here’s how the situation looks. IPL Points Table after May 15 Match.
REMAINING MATCHES OF CSK
CSK will face SunRisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans in their last two league matches. Both rivals are still fighting for the playoffs and are well placed in the race. GT can still finish with 20 points from 14 games, while SRH can reach a maximum of 18.
If ČSK wins both matches, they will move to 16 points, which should keep them alive in the qualifying race. However, their fate is no longer completely in their own hands and they will demand favorable results elsewhere.
LSG vs CSK, IPL 2026: Highlights | Scorecard
Their closest competition at the moment is Rajasthan Royals who also have 12 points but from 11 matches.
RR REMAINING MATCHES
Rajasthan Royals still have three matches left, against Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.
If RR win all three matches, CSK’s playoff hopes are virtually over.
Chennai will be hoping that Rajasthan lose at least one of these matches. If RR also ends up on 16 points, the race could come down to Net Run Rate.
Currently, ČSK’s NRR is +0.027, the weakest among the teams fighting for the remaining playoff spots.
PBKS REMAINING MATCHES
CSK also need Punjab Kings to stumble in the final stretch of the tournament.
Punjab will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants in their final two matches. RCB and GT, currently sitting at the top of the table with 16 points, are virtually assured of qualification.
If Punjab lose even one of their remaining matches, their maximum possible would drop, opening the door to the playoffs slightly for CSK.
CAN CSK QUALIFY 14 POINTS?
This is where things get extremely complicated.
RCB, GT and SRH already have 14 points and are in stronger positions due to their better Net Run Rate. If these teams don’t collapse in the final stretch, they are expected to take three of the four playoff spots.
For CSK to qualify with just 14 points, Punjab Kings would need to lose both their remaining matches, while Rajasthan Royals would also need to lose at least two of their last three matches.
Even then, CSK would probably need a massive win in their remaining win to significantly improve their Net Run Rate and maintain their lead in the qualifying battle.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
16 May 2026 0:40 AM IST
