IPL 2020: ‘Struggling’ CSK missing Suresh Raina, says Aakash Chopra

Dubai: After two successive losses in IPL 2020, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) fans are hoping their star batsman Suresh Raina returns to the UAE. Raina has opted out of the entire tournament due to personal reasons. Former India batsman Aakash Chopra too feels that the MS Dhoni-led side is missing the left-handed batsman and said the team can’t chase targets of 180 and above.

“When you talk about Dhoni's batting order, you need to look at where Ruturaj Gaikwad and Murali Vijay can bat. What's the use of sending Kedar Jadhav at the end. I can understand where Dhoni is batting and why he is batting there,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“Their top-order is struggling except Faf du Plessis. Shane Watson will eventually get runs, I am not too worried. I am worried about Vijay and Ruturaj,” he added.

Further, he said, “They are missing Raina. They haven't found a replacement for him. It's hurting this team a bit. Harbhajan Singh would have added a bit more strength.”

“They are struggling as a team at the moment, 180-run targets are difficult for them, 150-160, that is their range, for that to happen, I think Dhoni must play six bowlers.”

On Friday (September 25), CSK lost to Delhi Capitals (DC) by 44 runs. They failed to chase 176 runs in Dubai. Now, CSK have a six-day break before they face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on October 2.