In a heartbreaking news for Chennai Super Kings fans, Suresh Raina has decided to skip IPL 2020 because of personal reasons. CSK issued a statement on Twitter, informing every IPL fan that the southpaw has come back to India. It is unknown why Raina decided to return to India because he was excited to turn up for Chennai in IPL.
There is no major source confirming the reason for Raina’s unavailability but being one of the most successful franchises in the IPL, Chennai Super Kings will look to sign a replacement for him soon. Unfortunately for CSK, they filled up their overseas spots by signing Josh Hazlewood and Sam Curran in the auction. They will have to hunt for an Indian cricketer who went unsold in the auction now and here are the 5 players who can replace Suresh Raina.
5.Manoj Tiwary
MS Dhoni has trust in Manoj Tiwary’s abilities. When Dhoni was a part of Rising Pune Supergiant, he also had Tiwary by his side. The right-handed batsman has much experience of playing cricket as he also played for India in the past.
Many CSK fans remember him because of his winning boundary for Kolkata Knight Riders in the final match of IPL 2012. Tiwary is keen to return to the cricket field and CSK can provide him with an opportunity by picking him as Raina’s replacement.
4.Shahrukh Khan
Tamil Nadu’s domestic cricket star Shahrukh Khan was expected to get an IPL contract this year. Unfortunately, none of the teams showed interest in him during IPL Auction 2020. Khan is an aggressive batsman who has played 23 T20 matches.
Khan hails from Chennai and could bring some local flavor to the Chennai-based franchise. If MS Dhoni backs him, Shahrukh can become a big star in the cricket world.
3.Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara has not played a single IPL match since 2014. He has been absent from the league for six years, but Chennai Super Kings can give him a contract as Suresh Raina’s replacement this year.
Pujara played his last season for Kings XI Punjab and played a few matches in the UAE. Since CSK need a solid top order batsman in Raina’s absence, they could sign Pujara as a replacement.
2.Naman Ojha
Another player who has been away from the league from a while now, but has a solid playing ability, Naman Ojha can make a comeback to IPL through Chennai Super Kings.
He can be a good middle-order batsman, who can keep the wickets if MS Dhoni opts to rest. Ojha has played for Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past and he has a good ability of playing spin as well.
1.Yusuf Pathan
Perhaps, the best possible replacement available for Suresh Raina is the former Sunrisers Hyderabad star Yusuf Pathan. The 2011 World Cup-winning player has won three IPL trophies in the past.
He has played over 150 IPL matches. CSK trusts experienced players and also Pathan is a big-hitting batsman, who can bowl off-spin. Raina also had similar skills, which is why Pathan is #1 contender to take that spot.
