In IPL 2023, 66 out of 70 matches of the league stage have been played. But till now the picture of the playoff is not clear. Only the defending champions Gujarat Titans have cut. Three places are still vacant and for this 6 teams remain in the race. Chennai Super Kings is being considered as the contender for the title this time. But, in the last match, the home defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders dealt a blow to Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team's playoff hopes.
Now Mahendra Singh Dhoni will return home from Delhi. Dhoni's CSK will clash with Delhi Capitals in the first match of IPL 2023 on Saturday. Delhi has nothing to lose. They are the first team to be out of the playoff race this season. In such a situation, she would like to save her reputation by winning this match. But, Dhoni would not like to let this happen. Because this one match has to decide the way to the playoffs of the team.
Chennai will have to beat Delhi at any cost
Chennai Super Kings is currently at number two in the points table of IPL 2023 with 15 points. Lucknow Super Giants also have 15 points equal to Chennai. But, due to a better net run rate, Dhoni's team is in second place. On Saturday both Chennai and Lucknow have to play their last league match. If CSK has to make a place in the playoffs, then the only way for them is to beat Delhi. After winning over Delhi Capitals, Chennai will get 17 points and the team will get a ticket to the playoffs.
If Delhi wins then what will happen to Chennai?
If Chennai Super Kings lose this match, then they will have to rely on the results of other teams for the further journey. Then Chennai Super Kings will have to pray that either Royal Challengers Bangalore or Mumbai Indians lose their last league match. If Chennai defeats Delhi and Lucknow Super Giants lose to KKR in the second match to be held on Saturday, then Dhoni's team will play Qualifier-1 to be held in Chennai.
