Suresh Raina, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019, IPL 2019
Raina forms the core of CSK in the IPL. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

Suresh Raina’s comeback to the playing XI might be hastened, as the left-handed batsman batted during the net session and there are indications he might play next tie against Rajasthan Royals.

(Read Here: 3 players who can replace MS Dhoni in playing XI)

As per a report in Sportstar, he attended the practice session and looked in full flow during the time he spent in nets.

Dwayne Bravo, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ranveer SIngh, CSK, KXIP, IPL 2018

MS Dhoni is likely to miss CSK’s next tie. Image Courtesy: BCCI

With chances of MS Dhoni missing the next game, Raina might be named in the playing XI.

He will not just lead the team, but his presence will also be a big boost for CSK, who will be affected if Dhoni skips the game.

Raina was sidelined for a total of two games after he suffered a calf injury in the contest against Kolkata Knight Riders.

He had already missed one game of the season – against Kings XI Punjab – and could miss one more game as well.

He was ruled out for two games but looks like he will be there in the playing XI if Dhoni misses the game.

The absence of both the players will be a big blow for Chennai Super Kings.

Already, they have a big problem to deal with, as CSK will be playing their remaining six home games in Pune – starting on April 20. It  deprives them of the home advantage.Stephen Fleming, CSK’s head coach, had also said they selected the squad on the basis of conditions in Chennai.

It will be the first home game which CSK will play in Pune, and the absence of two key players is set to hurt them.

MS Dhoni IPL 2018
MS Dhoni missed CSK’s practice session. Credit: BCCI

The chances of Dhoni missing the game has increased after he missed the practice session.

(Read Here: 3 players who can lead CSK in next game in Dhonis absence)

The match between Chennai Super Kings and  Rajasthan Royals will be played on April 20 in Pune. Presently, CSK sits at the fourth position on the points table with two wins out of three games.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals are placed in the fifth position with two wins and two losses from four games.

Squad: MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo, Karn Sharma, Shane Watson, Shardul Thakur, Ambati Rayudu, Murali Vijay, Harbhajan Singh, Faf Du Plessis, Mark Wood, Sam Billings, Imran Tahir, Deepak Chahar, Mitchell Santner, Lungisani Ngidi, Asif K M, N Jagadeesan, Kanishk Seth, Monu Singh, Dhruv Shorey, Kshitiz Sharma, Chaitanya Bishnoi, David Willey.

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