With the win against Chennai Super Kings on Friday, Sunrisers Hyderabad received a boost to their playoff hopes. With five games left in the season, they must realistically win at least three more to be in contention. They have a few crucial matches at home coming up, and now it’s a must to remain unbeaten if they want to eye the top-four finish in the league.
If SRH wins all its remaining matches, they will not have to bother about other teams, with their playoff fate in their own hands. But just a single loss in between could spoil their plans further and make things difficult for them. Here is who they next face:
- May 2 – vs Gujarat Titans (Away)
- May 5 – vs Delhi Capitals (Home)
- May 10 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Home)
- May 13 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Away)
- May 18 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Away)
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, had challenged Sunrisers coming into the match with just two wins from seven games, putting them right up in the same boat as Hyderabad. But losing this match has pushed MS Dhoni’s side to the brink of elimination from the playoffs. With just five games left to play this season, the Super Kings must win all five if they want to remain in contention for one of the top four spots.
If CSK can string together some wins and end their season with 14 points, there might be a possibility for them to sneak into the playoffs, but they will need a lot of luck regarding the results of the other teams. This is who they still have to play:
- April 30 – vs Punjab Kings (Home)
- May 3 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Away)
- May 12 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Home)
- May 18 – vs Gujarat Titans (Away)
Looking at the playoff picture now, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals have truly upped their game this season and seem to be serious contenders. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also faring well on their travels. Then there are Mumbai Indians, who swept back into the mix for the playoffs after four successive wins.