CSK have decent playoff chance after three-match surge; RR's fortunes hinge on Suryavanshi: Chawla
Synopsis
CSK's three-match winning streak has positioned them firmly in the playoff hunt, with their bowling attack now providing the edge. But RR's path remains narrower — hinging almost entirely on whether young Vaibhav Suryavanshi can fire in the next three matches, a pressure that could define the final stretch.
Key Takeaways
CSK sit fifth with 12 points from 11 games , four points behind Gujarat Titans .
Three-match winning streak has given CSK decisive momentum in the playoff race, according to Piyush Chawla .
CSK chased down 203 against LSG — their first chase exceeding 200 since 2018 — with Urvil Patel scoring 65 off 23 balls .
CSK 's bowling unit, led by Anshul Kamboj , Noor , Akeal Hosein , and Jamie Overton , is restricting teams to 180-200 range .
RR 's playoff fortunes depend heavily on Vaibhav Suryavanshi 's performance in the next three matches.
Piyush Chawla has backed Chennai Super Kings to break into the top four, citing their three-match winning streak as a decisive momentum-builder in the playoff race. After starting the season with three consecutive defeats, the five-time champions have revitalised their campaign, winning three of their last five matches to climb to fifth in the points table with 12 points from 11 games — four points adrift of leaders Gujarat Titans.
"I feel Chennai have a decent chance. We talk a lot about momentum in T20 cricket, and they have that after winning their last three matches. They are playing some really good cricket," Chawla said on JioStar. "Their batters are doing the job, but it is the bowlers — Anshul Kamboj, the spin duo of Noor and Akeal Hosein, and Jamie Overton in the middle overs — who are making the difference."
CSK's chase breakthrough
In their most recent match against Lucknow Super Giants, CSK achieved a landmark: their first successful chase exceeding 200 runs since 2018. After LSG posted 203/8, CSK raced to 97 at the end of the powerplay — their second-highest powerplay score in IPL history — with Urvil Patel smashing 65 off 23 balls. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad added a steady 42, while Shivam Dube (15* off 7 balls) and Prashant Veer (17* off 12 balls) sealed the chase with four balls remaining.
Bowling strength emerging
Chawla highlighted the bowling unit as CSK's differentiator. "They are restricting teams to totals in the 180-200 range. A score of 200 has become the norm, but when you restrict teams to scores below that, the batters also have breathing space, and CSK's bowlers have managed to provide that of late."
RR's Suryavanshi factor
Chawla also weighed in on Rajasthan Royals, suggesting their playoff prospects depend heavily on young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi's performance. "RR are also in contention, but a lot will depend on how Vaibhav Suryavanshi plays in the next three matches. The rest of the players will also have to start making decisive contributions, something that has been missing so far."
Point of View
Which in T20 cricket is a structural advantage. But RR's reliance on a single young batter for playoff salvation is fragile. One injury, one poor run, and their campaign implodes. That's not a strategy; it's a gamble. Meanwhile, both teams know the Gujarat Titans and others won't wait — every match now is elimination tennis.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSK's current position in the IPL standings?
CSK are fifth with 12 points from 11 games, four points behind leaders Gujarat Titans. They have won three consecutive matches and are in contention for a top-four playoff spot.
What was CSK's significant achievement against LSG?
CSK successfully chased 203 runs against LSG — their first chase exceeding 200 since 2018. They scored 97 by the end of the powerplay, their second-highest powerplay score in IPL history, with Urvil Patel scoring 65 off 23 balls.
Why does Piyush Chawla believe CSK can make the top four?
Chawla credited CSK's three-match winning streak and strong momentum, combined with their bowling unit restricting teams to 180-200 runs. He highlighted the performances of Anshul Kamboj, Noor, Akeal Hosein, and Jamie Overton as key differentiators.
What does RR's playoff fate depend on according to Chawla?
Chawla suggested that RR's playoff fortunes hinge significantly on how young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi performs in the next three matches, alongside other players making more decisive contributions.
