The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went down to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 6 wickets at the Chepauk on Sunday evening. With this win, KKR kept their playoff hopes alive in IPL 2023 while CSK failed to yet qualify for the playoffs and both teams now have only one game in hand.
CSK posted 144 runs on the board courtesy of 30 from Devon Conway and 48* from Shivam Dube. KKR had a bad start and they slipped to 33/3. After that, however, left-handers Rinku Singh and skipper Nitish Rana took the mettle in their own hands with a partnership of 99 runs which all but saw KKR home.
Speaking about the points table, CSK remain at the second position in the points table with 15 points in 13 matches while KKR are at 7th position with 12 points in 13 games.
CSK’s playoff qualification is still in their own hands: they will qualify for playoffs if they win their last league game and reach 17 points. For KKR, they can only reach 14 points and need a spate of other results to go their way.
CSK’s chances to reach playoffs in IPL 2023:
Despite the loss vs KKR, CSK have a 90% chance to reach the playoffs. A win in their last league game will take them to 17 points and ensure their playoff qualification. However, a top 2 spot is also out of their hands now as both MI and GT can go to 18 points.
IPL 2023 Playoffs chances after CSK vs KKR match:
GT – 98%.
CSK – 90%.
MI – 80%.
LSG – 61%.
RCB – 31%.
PBKS – 21%.
RR – 11%.
KKR – 6%.
SRH – 2%.
DC – 0%.
After losing the match, CSK captain MS Dhoni said: “One of those days when you win the toss and bat first and the moment the first ball was bowled in the second innings, you realise it is a 180 wicket. Batting first I don’t think we could have got anywhere close to 180. I think the dew made a big difference. If you compare the first innings to the second innings, there was a lot more purchase for the spinners in the first innings and that’s what really got to us. (Can’t blame anyone for the loss) Yes, I think so.
“Whenever there is no certainty about dew that is when the decision (at the toss) becomes slightly tricky. And as I said, you win the toss and you bowl first and you realize there is no dew in the second innings, chasing 150 against their spinners could have been tough too. So we can’t really blame any batter or bowler for this loss. They tried their best, but the conditions had a big impact on the game.”
He added: “(Of what has been told to Shivam Dube this season) Well we have spoken a lot, it should remain in the dressing room what we spoke to him. What are the areas he needs to work on. Very happy with the way he has done and it’s important for him to keep continuing game after game and not get satisfied with what he has done. He has done that job for us in the middle overs to get us as many runs as possible.
“So I just wish him that he keeps continuing. (On Deepak Chahar) He is somebody who swings the ball and has a fair idea of the game, where to keep the fielders and he bowls accordingly. He is definitely an asset. At times… I feel now he is very experienced to realize at times that if it is not swinging what is the length to bowl.”
