IPL 2019: Ajit Agarkar Believes Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu Need to Deliver for the CSK
Apr 28, 2019 at 6:12 PM
Former Team India cricketer Ajit Agarkar conceded that if Ambati Rayudu and senior campaigner Suresh Raina won’t perform in the impending fixtures it will be a worrying sign for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). So far, CSK has done exceedingly well to top the IPL 2019 points table with eight wins in 12 matches.
The MS Dhoni-led side has overall done a fair job in the ongoing IPL season. However, the former pacer believes the underperformance of Raina and Rayudu has put pressure on their top-order batsman Shane Watson.
CSK are comfortable apart from a couple of blemishes:
Except for a game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in which he scored 96, the Australian all-rounder couldn’t convert his starts. In the fourth edition of the IPL, Watson was the leading run-getter. But, he looked a pale-shadow majorly on spin-friendly wickets.
On the other side, Raina and Rayudu except for a couple of knocks couldn’t fire all cylinders in the short-paced tournament.
The southpaw Raina has been a treat to watch on the field. The aggressive batsman has amassed 247 runs which includes a solitary half-century under his belt for this season.
On the other side, Rayudu, who missed out the World Cup berth, garnered 213 runs in 12 matches at the batting average of 21.30. He has also struck a fifty in the ongoing edition of the domestic professional T20 league.
“They have real worries if Raina and Rayudu don’t play well, because those two are really important players. If they keep failing, there is too much pressure on Watson, he might not have a great season himself, but in that one innings, he looked like getting back in form,” Agarkar told ESPNcricinfo.
Even though the yellow brigade has qualified for the playoffs, they would be vying to secure their top spot and for that their batters need to pull their socks.
The reigning champions have availed seniors campaigners who are capable of changing the complexion of the game.
Agarkar, who himself played 42 IPL matches since 2008, bagged 29 wickets with average (39.68) on the higher side.
Watson has a role to play:
The 41-year-old Mumbaikar maintained Watson has to shoulder the responsibility to knit innings together at the fag end of the IPL season.
In 12 matches, Watson has amassed 251 runs at an unhealthy average of 20.91.
“Now, he has to start worrying about holding an innings together. The middle order needs to perform better,” Agarkar concluded.
Consequently, CSK will play their 13th match of the season against Delhi Capitals (DC) on 1st May in Delhi.