Amidst this bit of a setback for the 3-time champion, the think tank of Dhoni-led CSK franchisee is quite confident that the team has the adequate arsenal and depth in their squad to fill in for the superstars who shall be surely missed.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris and a former player with the franchise believes that middle order batsman Ambati Rayudu could be the perfect replacement for their ever dependable campaigner Suresh Raina and could take his place at the crucial Number 3 spot in the team's batting order behind the openers in the forthcoming season.
Speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, Styris said: "Yeah, tough one, isn't it. A player of that class, a player who has been so good for so long, to suddenly find those runs, even in the field and the odd over as well with the ball, is going to be a big task.
"I know that the CSK squad is deep, they've got a lot of options at the top, but I also believe that as much as the pressure is now on to find that No. 3, it's just probably the most challenging time that I can look for anyway for CSK. And in particular, the leadership of this group -- I think with Dhoni and Stephen Fleming -- it's up to them now to bring the group together, now that they have lost Raina and Harbhajan.
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"Couple of options they could go with, the two overseas players at the top and bring in the youngster Gaekwad (Ruturaj) as well or they may decide to have a pinch-hitter. May be even someone like Ravindra Jadeja too, who we have seen in Indian colours, has been so good, so they need to find that No. 3. Personally, I'd put Rayudu in there to take that spot."
CSK contingent was in for a shock upon their arrival at the UAE for the thirteenth edition when thirteen members of their team, including two players, tested positive for Covid-19 and hence had to be placed in quarantine, delaying their training season by a week's time. However, the 'Yellow Brigade' got into training mode post the recovery of its officials and much to their delight seamer Deepak Chahar has also joined the group in its bio secure bubble.
Chennai Super Kings will lock horns against reigning champions Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener on September 19 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.