CSK is in deep waters as two of their experienced campaigners – Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh – will not be a part of IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. A few days back, Raina announced his departure from IPL 2020. Raina’s exit has created a void in CSK’s middle-order. The No.3 spot has been a temple for Raina. At No.3, Raina has contributed immensely to CSK in the past years. More so, it would be an ask for CSK to find a replacement for Raina to feature the No.3 spot in CSK.
Raina vouches for MS Dhoni to take No.3 Spot
Nonetheless, Raina has a name in mind who can take the responsibilities of the No.3 spot in the upcoming IPL. Well, here, Raina talks about his dearest friend and CSK boss – MS Dhoni. The southpaw suggests that Dhoni will be an effective replacement for Raina for the No.3 spot in CSK’s batting line-up.
In a recent interview with Outlook, Suresh Raina said, “He has the experience to bat at that position. How can one forget Dhoni’s 148 against Pakistan in the second ODI at Visakhapatnam in April 2005? It’s a very crucial position and the No.3 position will give Dhoni more flexibility.” For this long, MS Dhoni has preferred to bat lower down the order.
Gambhir feels the same
Some time back, Gambhir presented the thought as well. Gautam Gambhir feels that Dhoni will be an ideal candidate as Raina’s replacement at No.3 in CSK’s batting order.
Talking to StarSports, Gambhir said, “It will be a good opportunity for MS Dhoni to come and bat at No.3.”
“And he has been away from the game for the last one year. So he would end up getting a lot more balls to face and then he can actually play the anchor innings as well. Which he has been doing for India for the last couple of years,” concluded Gambhir.