Chennai Super Kings was dealt with a major blow after Suresh Raina pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons. And, he left a big void in the middle-order of the three-time IPL champions. There were rife speculations that Ruturaj Gaikwad will most likely to replace Southpaw. However, now there are reports that suggest that Dawid Malan, the number T20I batsman in the world might be soon joining CSK as a replacement for Raina.
The former Indian cricketer bid adieu to international cricket last month in August. He is the backbone of CSK’s middle-order, who has done a great job at that position over the years. However, this will be the first edition in which the Dhoni-led side will be without playing without Raina’s services.
Reports: England’s T20 batsman in line for Suresh Raina’s replacement for CSK
As per the reports, a close source said that there are some discussions going within CSK’s management over England’s T20 batsman Dawid Malan. He also added that Malan is quite an able batsman, who has the qualities that can help CSK in their IPL 2020 campaign. As per him, there is nothing yet finalized. But, there is a probability that the 33-year-old might be spotted donning yellow jersey in IPL 2020.
“These are just discussions, nothing has been finalized as such. Malan is a very accomplished T20 player. He is also a left-hander like Raina. But team management hasn’t taken any final call on whether to call for Raina’s replacement or not’,” an anonymous CSK team source was quoted as saying by InsideSport.
Malan recently toppled the ICC T20I ranking table after performing well against Australia in a three-match T20I series. He scored 129 runs off three games with the help of an amazing fifty. He scored a half-century in the series opener at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
Earlier, there were reports that Raina took his name back from IPL 2020 following his rift with the management. But, he cleared everything and said he shares a father and son relationship with CSK chairman S. Srinivasan.
