Following their decisive win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have bolstered their prospects for the IPL 2026 playoffs. The win at Chepauk has injected fresh momentum into their campaign, leading former CSK batter Cheteshwar Pujara to suggest that the franchise is now well-positioned to break into the top four and secure a postseason berth.
Cheteshwar Pujara has his say on CSK's playoff chances
Pujara observed that the 'stars might have finally aligned' for the team, marking a dramatic turnaround after a lackluster start to the season. He pointed to key individual performances as the catalyst for this resurgence, specifically noting that captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has rediscovered his clinical form. Additionally, Pujara highlighted the vital contributions of overseas all-rounder Jamie Overton, whose versatile play has added much-needed balance to the squad.
Chennai will back themselves to make the top four: Pujara
Ultimately, the former India international expressed high confidence in the team's trajectory. With the core players hitting their stride at the right time, Pujara believes the Chennai-based franchise has successfully navigated its early-season slump and is now a formidable contender for the title race.
“Chennai will back themselves to make the top four. At the start of the season, they looked like a different side. Their batters were struggling for form, but now, Ruturaj has found his touch again. Sanju Samson is also contributing with runs," Pujara said via JioStar.
"Jamie Overton’s bowling in the middle and death overs has given them a big boost. CSK will fancy their chances against LSG, who are at the bottom of the table and out of form. The next game against Delhi is the key. If CSK win that, they will have a real shot at qualifying for the playoffs,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.
CSK return to winning ways
Following their fourth win of the season, CSK currently occupy the sixth position on the IPL 2026 points table with a total of eight points. This recent success has breathed new life into their campaign, keeping them within striking distance of the top four as the tournament enters its critical final stages. With five matches remaining in the league phase, Men in Yellow face a clear path to the playoffs. The math is straightforward: securing at least four wins in these final fixtures would put them in a prime position to qualify.