Explained: How absence of Suresh Raina will impact CSK in IPL 2020

Raina as a batsman

Over the past 12 seasons, Raina has scored 5,368 runs in 193 matches for CSK.

The team has Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, and Murali Vijay in the top order. But Raina’s ability to pace his innings at No. 3 separates him from the rest. He is the glue in CSK’s batting.

MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina run between the wickets during the Indian Premier League 2019 cricket match against Delhi Capitals at MAC Stadium in Chennai. (PTI)

Also, Raina has the ability to up the ante in the death overs. His 137 IPL strike rate attests to his all-round ability as a batsman.

In Raina’s absence, if Dhoni decides to promote himself up the order, then the team will have to find a new finisher. Raina’s unavailability is likely to force CSK to rejig, batting-wise.

Raina as a bowler and fielder

It would be wrong to judge Raina’s bowling by the number of wickets – 25 – he has taken in the IPL.

He has been Dhoni’s go-to man in the middle overs, especially against left-handers. His economy rate, a little over 7, confirms his utility as a part-time off-spinner. His skill to take the ball away from left-handers helps CSK to curtail runs before the death overs.

Suresh Raina during the net practice. (Express photo by Kevin DSouza/File)

Often Raina has shaken the momentum of rival teams by breaking partnerships.

In the desert heat, on overused pitches – just three venues will be used for the 2020 IPL in the United Arab Emirates – taking pace off the ball would be important, and Raina’s absence is going to hurt CSK, the fact that the squad is loaded with spinners notwithstanding. In Raina’s absence, the onus would be on Kedar Jadhav to step up as the team’s fifth or sixth bowler.

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And even at 33 years of age, Raina remains an outstanding fielder, mainly because of his anticipation. CSK will miss his world-class presence both close-in and in the outfield.

Dhoni’s Man Friday

Such is the bond between the two players that Raina decided to hang up his international boots minutes after his skipper bade farewell to international cricket.

Raina is Dhoni’s deputy in CSK, someone who contributes a great deal to the strategy with his tactical inputs. From short mid-wicket or short cover, Raina is always talking to the younger bowlers, helping them feel comfortable.

Chennai Super King’s players MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina leave for a training session ahead of the IPL-T20, in Chennai. (PTI/File)

Team’s on-field cheerleader

Raina also acts as a bridge between the junior cricketers and Dhoni.

The CSK skipper is a man of few words, and although Dhoni hardly carries any airs, young players can be a little hesitant to directly communicate with their captain. Given Dhoni’s stature in the game, that’s understandable. This is where Raina acts as a bridge and this method has worked wonderfully well for the team.

His energy in the field too, is vital. He keeps the fielders on the toes, appreciates their efforts, and is always ready with inputs for the bowlers.