Suresh Raina's Absence Will See Changes in CSK’s Planning, Says Albie Morkel
image:- BCCI
|| CF Correspondent ||
Former South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel has revealed that in the absence of their vital cog Suresh Raina in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) will see them change in batting order to get a proper batting order.
Raina, who has featured in 193 games for Chennai Super Kings, amassing over 5,000 runs, last month pulled out of IPL owing to "personal reasons". Although he had toured with the team to the UAE, he has returned to India which raised a few questions as well.
"He (Raina) has been a run machine for them and electric in the field, so [his absence] will leave a massive gap," Morkel said to IANS in an exclusive interview. "They (CSK) will probably have to make a few changes now to cover for him and get the balance of the team right."
In his absence, the focus will be on MS Dhoni – who is going to play for the first time after the ICC World Cup semi-final in England where India lost to New Zealand. Meanwhile, Dhoni has announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15.
Morkel, however, praised on MS Dhoni. "I enjoyed my time at CSK the most. We had six very successful years, but apart from that the group of players really got along. Dhoni was the cornerstone of our success. He is someone who leads by example," he said.
"He is obviously very skillful in what he does, but also has the ability to stay calm under immense pressure. Other players reach their 'breaking points' before him. He knows that and takes full advantage of that," he concluded.
The 2020 edition of Indian Premier League will kick start from September 19 across three venues in UAE and the 53-day tournament will conclude on November 10.
