IPL 2018: 3 Players Who Can Replace MS Dhoni In Playing XI

Chennai Super Kings captain, MS Dhoni, suffered an injury scare during the tie against Kings XI Punjab when he felt pain in his back.

He was treated few times on the field whilst batting and there can be a case when he might be given a rest for next game.

In his absence, Sam Billings would keep wickets.

Though, CSK will need a player to replace him in the playing XI.

Here are players who can replace Dhoni in playing XI –

Karn Sharma – It is really a surprise to see Karn Sharma warming the bench but the presence of Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI has meant that he has to sit out.

One of the best performing players in IPL, Karn has performed well for each franchise he has played for.

In fact, he broke records when he was sold for Rs 3.75 Crore to become highest paid uncapped player then.

In IPL 2017 auction, he again broke records when he was sold for 3.2 Crore to become highest paid Indian in the auction.

This year, CSK bought him for Rs 5 Crore.

Now there can be a case when he might replace MS Dhoni in the playing XI and this will also be a chance for him to do well and fix his place in the playing XI.

Dhruv Shorey – The Delhi’s middle-order batsman is in line to finally make his IPL debut in place of MS Dhoni.

He was in contention to be there in the playing XI when Kedar Jadhav was ruled out but Dhoni went for Murali Vijay to open the innings in the third game.

However, if Dhoni himself is ruled out, Shorey might make it to the playing XI.

The 25-year-old has played 16 T20 games till now in which he has scored 379 runs at an average of 31.58 with a strike-rate of 124.67.

Shorey performed well in 2018/18 season which saw him being getting an IPL contract.

He was purchased by the franchise for Rs 20 Lakh.

Chaitanya Bishnoi – The Haryana batsman performed well in this season and went onto earn his maiden IPL contract.

He opens the innings for Haryana and can also bat in the middle order.

If he comes in for Dhoni, he will have big shoes to fill.

However, it is a known fact that a player like Dhoni is irreplaceable and he will come back in as soon as if he will be fit.

An official confirmation regarding Dhoni’s fitness is yet to come out.

It is not yet confirmed whether he will sit out or will he play?