IPL 2018: Three CSK players who can replace Suresh Raina in the playing XI

After the BCCI moved CSK’s home venue out of Chennai to Pune, the franchise has been hit with another big blow in Raina’s absence for their upcoming two games against Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals. As per reports, Raina will be out of action for at least 10 days. This will be the first time that Raina will miss a game for the CSK side.

The big question for the CSK team management is Raina’s replacement in the playing XI. There are five different options available for the franchise. However, the management will not pick any player from the unsold players’ list as Raina will be back after two games. Here we take a look at the three CSK options to replace Suresh Raina in the XI:

Murali Vijay

Captain MS Dhoni has a brilliant option of picking Murali Vijay in the XI. But, this option raises many questions in the batting order. Either Shane Watson or Ambati Rayudu has to come down the order and make way to Vijay, who likes to attack the bowlers while opening the innings.

Murali Vijay has played 100 games so far in IPL history. He averages around 26 and strikes at 123.39. He smacked 13 half-centuries and two centuries in the cash-rich league. He was picked at his base price two crores in the IPL 2018 Auction.

Dhruv Shorey

Another impressive option available for CSK is Delhi’s rock solid batsman Dhruv Shorey. He came to the limelight after a brilliant 2017-18 domestic season. He has a good chance of getting picked as he played the practice game and opened the innings alongside Sam Billings ahead of the season.

Dhruv kept his base price at 20 lakh in IPL 2018 Auction and he was picked by Stephen Fleming-led CSK team management in the Auction at his base price. He played 14 T20 innings and averages above 31 and strikes at 124.67 with three half-centuries to his name.

N Jagadeeshan

The 22-year-old Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman is another option available for CSK in their squad. Jagadeeshan was awarded the player of the tournament in Tamil Nadu Premier League 2016 season for his heroics with the bat. He was one of the players to watch out for in TNPL 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Jagadeeshan was picked at his base price of 20 lakh in the IPL 2018 Auction. He has a healthy average of 30.85 and a strike-rate of 127.05. He played a total of 13 games and scored 216 runs only. He batted at No. 3 slot for TNPL side Dindigul Dragons.

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