Reports: CSK thinking to replace Suresh Raina with Dawid Malan for IPL 2020

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will dealt with a major blow when Suresh Raina decided to pull out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) a couple of weeks ago. Another senior player Harbhajan Singh will also not be available for the tournament this year. The franchise has not named any replacement as of now for both the players but the recent reports suggest that CSK is in discussions with England’s Dawid Malan.

Malan has been in prolific touch in the shortest format of the game for England and recently secured number 1 position in ICC T20I rankings for batsmen. In the recently concluded T20I series against Australia, the left-hander was the highest run-getter with 129 runs in three innings at an average of 43 while batting at three. His strike-rate of 138.71 also proves that Malan is more than a decent batsman in the T20 format.

Rather his overall average in the T20Is reads 48.71 having amassed 682 runs in 16 matches and was even compared to Virat Kohli recently in terms of consistency. Throwing light on the matter, CSK’s team source cleared that the discussions are on with Dawid Malan but nothing has been finalised yet.

“These are just discussions, nothing has been finalized as such. Malan is a very accomplished T20 player. He is also a left hander like Raina. But team management hasn’t taken any final call on whether to call for Raina’s replacement or not,” the CSK source told InsideSport on condition of anonymity.

Will Dawid Malan be a perfect replacement for Suresh Raina?

This move is a surprising one as Suresh Raina recently stated he might even return to the CSK camp at some point in future this season. Even the CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had earlier stated that they will not be looking for Raina’s replacement. However, if they are in discussions with Dawid Malan to replace one of the most consistent players of the cash-rich league, it will turn out to be a very good move.

Malan bats at number three for England as well and is very consistent as well. He is being sought by one of the clubs in the Big Bash League (BBL) too and it remains to be seen if the CSK will sign the cricketer for the upcoming IPL season.