Chennai Super Kings have several options to fill Harbhajan Singh's absence: Ajit Agarkar

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings have been rattled with multiple blows ahead of their IPL 2020 campaign. After being shaken by news of their members testing positive for coronavirus, CSK were jolted by the departure of vice-captain Suresh Raina.

Adding to their woes, veteran Harbhajan Singh also pulled out of the tournament citing personal reasons. It will be a tough task for the Yellow Army to fill the void left by Harbhajan. Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, however, feels that Harbhajan’s truancy won’t affect much as CSK have several options as well.

“Well, we have seen when they went to the auction, they already had enough spin. You’ve seen in Chennai when they play, they rely so much on spin because of the conditions. Harbhajan Singh, obviously, that kind of experience, the quality that you lose, it is going to be a loss, but I think CSK have a lot more cover in that department at least as far as spin is concerned,” said Agarkar on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected.

CSK have got Piyush Chawla as well: Ajit Agarkar

Agarkar also opined that players like Piyush Chawla, Mitchell Santner and Imran Tahir can deliver match-winning performances as well. “They have got Piyush Chawla as well that they have brought in. This year they have got Tahir, Santner, so they have got enough spin and they will be hoping that the conditions are in their favour what they get in Chennai, which is a little bit of turn, then those spinners come into play,” said Agarkar.

Agarkar also opined on the fate of speedster Deepak Chahar. CSK were shaken when their 13 members including two players– Deepak Chahar and Rituraj Gaikwad tested positive by the deadly virus upon reaching UAE. According to Agarkar, Chahar might not be added in the tournament.

“As far as Chahar is concerned, I know Dhoni depends on him a lot to start with the new ball or bowls him up front, but when you have not played cricket for as long as all these players have, plus he has had this extra quarantine because of turning positive might have less preparation time. But hopefully, the fitness levels are there, it’s about getting the skills right and getting some sort of bowling into your legs while they have some practice games, he’s probably going to be ready,” Agarkar concluded.