IPL 2019: Ajit Agarkar Believes Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu Need to Deliver for the CSK

Apr 28, 2019 at 6:12 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
IPL 2019: Ajit Agarkar Believes Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu Need to Deliver for the CSK

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:

Shane Watson, IPL 2019, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu
Agar wants CSK middle-order to perform. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

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:

Shane Watson, IPL 2019, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu
Watson gave a warning. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL.

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.

Related Article
IPL 2024: Brace Yourself To See Him In Yellow – Ravichandran Ashwin Names The Experienced Indian Batter Who Can Replace Ambati Rayudu In CSK
IPL 2024: Brace Yourself To See Him In Yellow – Ravichandran Ashwin Names The Experienced Indian Batter Who Can Replace Ambati Rayudu In CSK

Dec 3, 2023, 1:22 PM


IPL 2024: Ambati Rayudu Identifies Possible Successor To MS Dhoni As Chennai Super Kings Captain
IPL 2024: Ambati Rayudu Identifies Possible Successor To MS Dhoni As Chennai Super Kings Captain

Nov 25, 2023, 5:02 PM


Nobody In Indian Cricket Is In A Position To Question His Decisions – Ambati Rayudu On MS Dhoni’s Captaincy Legacy
Nobody In Indian Cricket Is In A Position To Question His Decisions – Ambati Rayudu On MS Dhoni’s Captaincy Legacy

Nov 25, 2023, 3:52 PM


I’m Happy That I Never Asked Anybody For Any Favour – Ambati Rayudu Opens Up On His Playing Days With The Indian Team
I’m Happy That I Never Asked Anybody For Any Favour – Ambati Rayudu Opens Up On His Playing Days With The Indian Team

Nov 25, 2023, 10:59 AM


Ambati Rayudu Joins MI Emirates Ahead Of Second Season of ILT20
Ambati Rayudu Joins MI Emirates Ahead Of Second Season of ILT20

Aug 21, 2023, 5:12 PM


IPL 2023: Would Like To Dedicate The Win To Ambati Rayudu – CSK Batter Ruturaj Gaikwad
IPL 2023: Would Like To Dedicate The Win To Ambati Rayudu – CSK Batter Ruturaj Gaikwad

May 31, 2023, 11:07 AM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner