Who all can replace Raina in CSK camp?
Suresh Raina who is also known as Mr IPL or Chinna Thala on Saturday opted out of the IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. Which players can replace him in Chennai Super Kings squad?
After 12 support staff members and a couple of players, the homecoming of Suresh Raina is a big blow to the Super Kings.
We all know the aura Suresh Raina has created for himself in the Indian Premier League. The southpaw has only missed just one game for the yellows and has played a huge role in the franchise’s success for over a decade.
Also, Read – Three ways that CSK can line-up and replace the unavailable Suresh Raina at IPL 2020
With big boots to fill at number 3, here are three players who potentially can fit in to replace Suresh Raina in the CSK squad in IPL 2020.
1. Manoj Tiwary
Whenever we talk about Manoj Tiwary the first thing that comes to our mind is a player with high potential, who was unlucky to face injuries at the wrong time in his career.
The 34-year old who has already proved himself at the domestic circuit, unfortunately, went unsold in the auctions for the season. The right-hander has also won an IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders back in 2012.
With 98 IPL caps for KKR, DC (formerly DD), RPSG and KXIP, he has scored 1695 runs at an average of 28.73 with 7 fifties to his name.
Also with some wrist spin, he is someone who has it all to be a probable replacement of the CSK stalwart.
Manoj Tiwary is option 1 to replace Suresh Raina at IPL 2020.
2. Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan who has already won several IPL titles with Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, was also an integral part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad last couple of seasons.
A player with such experience going unsold was a bit of a shocker but with his flawless striking and good part time off-spin he can surely be considered as a replacement for the 33 year old Raina.
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Alongside his 174 IPL appearances and over 3000 runs, he also once scored IPL’s fastest century off 37 balls, a record which was later broken by Chris Gayle.
Senior Pathan also holds record of joint fastest IPL fifty off 15 balls. So it won’t be a bad option if the Chennai based franchise go with the IPL veteran to join them in UAE.
Watch – Fitness, not age should be criteria for India selection says Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan is option 2 to replace Suresh Raina at IPL 2020.
3. Rohan Kadam
Rohan Kadam, Karnataka cricketer is one of the best left handed batsman to have potential to replace Raina in CSK camp.
The 26 year old has not played much of T20 cricket but has surely showed his talent in the chances he’s got.
In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2018-19, he top scored the tournament with 536 runs in 12 games striking almost 130 with average of 53.60.
After his impressive domestic season, he caught many eyes but unfortunately failed to grab an IPL contract. Raina opting out might come as a blessing in disguise for the Karnataka youngster maybe.
Anybody coming in at three would have the pressure of performing like Raina did game in and game out.
Rohan Kadam is option 3 to replace Suresh Raina at IPL 2020.
The Summary
Other than these probable replacements, the management can also turn up to the bench to do the job for them with likes of Murali Vijay, Sam Curran and Ruturaj Gaikwad all having what it takes to bat in top 3.
It will be interesting to see whether CSK goes with the replacement way or they turn up to their bench to do the job.
Replacing an IPL legend will not be an easy task. Suresh Raina has provided CSK close to 400 runs in every single season that he has represented them. Such stability has helped CSK be the most consistent team in the IPL.
MS Dhoni will likely need to shuffle his squad around and slightly re-jig his side. There is no clear-cut replacement in the side already. But one thing is for certain – MS Dhoni will find a way. He always does.
But can CSK still remain the force that they have been for so long?
Written by Mayank Bande, follow Mayank on Twitter today.
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