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The IPL 2026 playoff race has become even more intense after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) crushed Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 8 and forced changes in the points table once again. With almost every match now affecting the playoff chances, Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction about the chances of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The former Indian off-spinner has picked the team that he feels would make it to the top four of the ongoing IPL 2026 and what the Chennai Super Kings must do to stay alive in the tournament. CSK are currently sitting sixth on the table with 10 points from 10 games.
KKR’s big win over DC makes IPL 2026 Playoff race more dangerous
They still have four games left in the league phase to make it to the playoffs, but one mistake could completely end their campaign. After KKR’s latest win, the race for the top four spots has become tighter than ever, with multiple teams still fighting for survival.
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Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive after a dominant 8-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. After the latest changes, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) remain at the top with 14 points from 11 matches in the points table.
Punjab Kings are currently second with 13 points from 10 games. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals hold the third and fourth spots with 12 points each.
The Gujarat Titans are also strongly placed fifth with 12 points, although their poor net run rate could create problems later. So, the sixth-place Chennai Super Kings now face a very difficult road ahead.
Ravichandran Ashwin predicts IPL 2026 Playoff teams
Speaking about the playoff situation, Ashwin believes that SRH and RCB are almost certain to qualify for the playoffs. The cricket pundit further stressed that there could be a direct battle between the Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings for the remaining two spots.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “SRH and RCB are confirmed. Between GT, RR, and PBKS, the other two playoff spots will be decided.”
Ashwin also warned that the Chennai Super Kings cannot afford even one bad game at this stage. He feels CSK must win all four remaining league matches if they want to keep their playoff dream alive. The former Indian all-rounder also noted that net run rate will become a massive factor in deciding the top four teams this season.
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CSK’s fate depends on LSG games: Ashwin
He believes that the five-time IPL champions’ upcoming matches against the Lucknow Super Giants could completely decide their playoff fate, saying if CSK manage to win both those matches strongly, they could repeat their unforgettable comeback season in 2010.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “For CSK to qualify, they must win all four remaining matches. They can’t leave it to chance. Even with 16 points, qualification will depend on RR losing three out of four, PBKS dropping points and CSK maintaining a strong NRR.”
“That’s where net run rate becomes important. I feel if Chennai wins both matches against LSG, they won’t just qualify; they could go all the way, just like in 2010. Every match from here is a blockbuster.”
ASHWIN VIEWS ON CSK QUALIFICATION FOR PLAYOFFS..pic.twitter.com/AAhvrPsp4H
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