IPL 2026 | CSK Still In Playoff Race After Dominating At Chepauk As MI In The Brink Of Elimination

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma powered Chennai Super Kings to a comfortable 8-wicket win over Mumbai Indians with a clinical chase at Chepauk.

Chennai Super Kings continued their strong run in IPL 2026 with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in Match 44 at Chepauk on May 2, chasing down a target of 160 with 11 balls to spare. A composed batting effort led by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad ensured CSK crossed the line comfortably at 160/2 in 18.1 overs.

Asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians endured a shaky start as Will Jacks fell early for just 1 in the second over. Ryan Rickelton counterattacked with a quick 37 off 24 balls, smashing five sixes, while Naman Dhir anchored the innings with a solid 57 off 37 deliveries. The duo helped MI recover to 99/3 at one stage.

Late cameos from Robin Minz (5 off 3) and Trent Boult (7* off 2) pushed MI to 159/7 in their 20 overs. For CSK, Anshul Kamboj was the standout performer with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 32 runs, while Noor Ahmad chipped in with 2/26. Ramakrishna Ghosh and Jamie Overton took one wicket each.

ALSO READ | Ambati Rayudu Decodes KL Rahul 2.0 Amid Dominant IPL 2026 Campaign

In response, CSK got off to a steady start despite losing Sanju Samson early for 11. Ruturaj Gaikwad then took charge, playing a captain’s knock of 67* off 48 balls, laced with five fours and two sixes. He found good support from Urvil Patel, who scored a quickfire 24 off 12 before falling in the powerplay.

The match-defining partnership came between Gaikwad and Kartik Sharma, who stitched together an unbeaten stand to seal the chase. Kartik Sharma impressed with a well-paced 54* off 40 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes, as CSK steadily built towards the target.

How MI and CSK Are Still In The Playoff Race?

Despite sitting in the bottom half of the table, Chennai Super Kings are still very much alive in the playoff race with 8 points from 9 matches. With five games remaining, CSK can reach a maximum of 14 points if they win all their fixtures, which has historically been enough to secure a playoff spot.

Their recent win has also slightly boosted their net run rate, and with key clashes against direct competitors like Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants coming up, CSK still have their fate in their own hands.

ALSO READ | Mitchell Starc Speaks On His Retirement After First Stint With DC in IPL 2026

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, face a much steeper climb, but are not mathematically out just yet. With only 4 points from 9 matches, MI can also reach a maximum of 14 points if they win all their remaining games.

As per the statistical scenario, even 14 points could be enough without relying heavily on net run rate, although it would require multiple results to go in their favour. Realistically, MI will need a near-perfect finish along with other teams slipping up, making their path to the playoffs extremely challenging.