Suresh Raina Backs MS Dhoni To Bat At Number Three In IPL 2020

Suresh Raina returning home from the Chennai Super Kings’ camp in the UAE ahead of the 13th edition of IPL came as a body blow to them. Suresh Raina, who is the most-capped player in IPL with 193 matches, cited family commitments behind the reason for his departure. In his absence, the southpaw has backed the captain to bat at number three.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Weighs In On Political Conflicts Affecting India-Pakistan Bilateral Series

Suresh Raina has not only one of the most experienced but also a reliable and invaluable player on all fronts. With 5368 runs, the 33-year old is the second-highest run-getter behind Virat Kohli, who has 5412 in the extravaganza’s history. If not with runs, Raina could also chip in with overs of off-spin and contribute by taking outstanding catches on the field or save precious runs.

Suresh Raina underlined that MS Dhoni has the experience to bat at number three and reminded his exploits at number three for India. It was in 2005 against Pakistan in Vishakhapatnam that the keeper-batsman smashed 148 while batting at number three in an ODI. He added that number three is a critical spot and would give Dhoni flexibility.

“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,” the Uttar Pradesh cricketer stated as quoted by Times Now.

Suresh Raina does not rule out returning to the UAE:

Nevertheless, Suresh Raina has remained open to rejoining the yellow army’s squad if everything goes well on his personal front. It remains to be seen whether Raina will take a U-turn don the yellow jersey. Earlier, CSK’s 13 personnel, including two Indian players tested positive for COVID-19, throwing their training plans in jeopardy.

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh that he would not take part in this year’s IPL, owing to personal reasons. The IPL 2020 will commence on the 19th of September while the BCCI is yet to release its schedule. It was also speculated that Chennai Super Kings would take on the defending champions Mumbai Indians, which seems unlikely now.

Also Read: CSK Might Need A Replacement Or Two: Aakash Chopra After Harbhajan Singh’s Withdrawal