Dhoni’s CSK out of the playoff race after defeat by SRH! Gujarat and Hyderabad qualified for playoffs

By Samira Vishwas On May 19, 2026

New Delhi: The 63rd match of IPL 2026 was played between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chepauk. This was Chennai’s last match on home ground this season. Fans were hopeful that the team would register victory in the presence of MS Dhoni.

But CSK had to face defeat by 5 wickets. With this victory, Hyderabad secured a place in the playoffs. Gujarat Titans also qualified in the top-4. After the defeat, Chennai’s path to the playoffs has now become very difficult.

match status

In this match, after winning the toss and batting first, Chennai scored 180 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad achieved the target in 19 overs only. Ishan Kishan was the hero of Hyderabad’s victory.

He played a brilliant inning of 70 runs in 47 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes. Heinrich Klaasen also scored 47 runs in 26 balls, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes. Both of them changed the course of the match by adding 75 runs in 41 balls for the third wicket.

Playoff picture, three teams confirmed, one place left

Let us tell you that after this victory, the picture of the playoffs has become clear to a great extent. Royal Challengers Bangalore had already qualified. Now Hyderabad and Gujarat have also taken entry in the top-4. Now there is a battle between five teams for the fourth and last slot. These include Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Who has how many points, further equation

It is noteworthy that Punjab Kings currently have 13 points and the team has to play one more match. If Punjab wins, it can reach 15 points. Rajasthan Royals, Chennai and Delhi are on 12-12 points. Rajasthan has two matches left and the team can reach 16 points.

Chennai and Delhi have to play one match each. By winning both can reach 14-14 points. Kolkata has 11 points and the team has two matches left. KKR can reach maximum 15 points. Now it remains to be seen which team captures the last slot.