Kris Srikkanth Backing Murali Vijay To Replace Suresh Raina At The Top Of The Order In IPL 2020

Kris Srikkanth, former Indian World Cup-winning opener, believes that the absence of experienced campaigners like Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh is a huge loss for the Chennai Super Kings but he has still bckacked skipper MS Dhoni to spearhead the team with his experience to the playoffs stage in IPL 2020.

CSK were dealt with a body blow when veteran southpaw Suresh Raina decided to pull out of the 13th season of the IPL due to family reasons. Raina was soon joined by the third-highst wickettaker in the history of the competition, Harbhajan Singh, who also decided to give the tournament a miss due to ‘personal reasons’.

‘Chennai Super Kings are definitely going to miss Raina. Firstly, as a player, as a batsman. Most importantly, fielder and part-time bowler. And as a vice-captain and support to Dhoni. Raina has been a huge support to Dhoni. He brings a lot of energy to the team. You’re going to miss all that,” Kris Sirkanth said in his YouTube show ‘Cheeky Cheeka’.

“Harbhajan Singh, definitely yes. On tracks that are likely to spin more in the UAE, CSK will miss his experience. He has performed superbly well for CSK. Two big blows for CSK. Now it’s all in the hands of Dhoni. He will handle it well, he has seen situations well. Even in such a situation, he will be able to do well.” he added.

Despite having lost such match-winners, Srikkanth still feels that CSK will be make it to the top-4 as their overall strength lies in the leadership of MSD.

“I still believe this team is a good team. They will definitely reach the top 4. CSK have the experience. The overall strength of CSK is MS Dhoni leading and experience. Dhoni knows the formula of winning,” Kris Srikkanth said.

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It’s a good opportunity for Murali Vijay- Kris Srikkanth

That said, Kris Srikkanth believes that this is a perfect opportunity for someone like Murali Vijay to revive his IPL career. Vijay, who was a pivotal member of the CSK unit during the initial years of the IPL, has played just three games since his return to the franchise in 2018.

Hailing Vijay as a big-match player, Kris Srikkanth reckoned that the former Indian Test opener could forge an opening stand with Shane Watson in the same manner like he did with Mike Hussey in the past.

”See, in my opinion, it’s a good opportunity for Vijay. He is determined. Whenever we met, he says he has been practising well and looking for opportunities to do well,” Kris Srikkanth said.

”Don’t forget, Vijay is a big-match player, he can open with Shane Watson. it’s a great opportunity for him to redeem himself in the IPL. He has led sides like KXIP. Having played at that level, he would be keen to redeem himself.”he added.