IPL 2020: 4 ways CSK's middle order can line up in the absence of Suresh Raina

#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad could be a straight swap at No. 3 in IPL 2020

Gaikwad could slot right in at No. 3 for CSK in IPL 2020

Middle Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu/Faf du Plessis, Kedar Jadhav

Young Indian batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad recently tested positive for COVID-19, and this option is clearly subject to his fast recovery. The 23-year-old has been on the fringes of the CSK playing XI for some time now, and absence of Raina may just catapult him right into the No. 3 position in IPL 2020.

Gaikwad has a superb T20 record, with 843 runs in 28 games at an average of 33.7 and a strike rate of 135.3. With his youthful exuberance and electric fielding, the Maharashtra batsman could inject energy into an ageing CSK side.

Should Gaikwad be trusted with the crucial No. 3 role, either Ambati Rayudu or Faf du Plessis could fill in at No. 4. Depending upon CSK's overseas combination (the inclusion of Sam Curran looks highly likely), one of the two batsmen could be promoted to the an opening slot.

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#1 CSK could opt for a tried-and-tested combination in IPL 2020

Rayudu's experience could make him the best candidate for the No. 3 role in IPL 2020

Middle Order: Ambati Rayudu/Faf du Plessis, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni

As mentioned earlier, Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson might just fight it out for the final overseas slot if Curran is trusted to play a big role for CSK (with Bravo and Imran Tahir being the other two).

Should the former get the nod, he could make the No. 3 position his own, while if he is made to open, Rayudu could come in at one-drop. This would probably be the best possible middle order combination for CSK, given both batsmen's experience and solidity.

MS Dhoni has shown a propensity to stick to a stable XI, and this is the team that will look least different from one that has Suresh Raina it. After either Rayudu or Du Plessis, Kedar Jadhav could come in at No. 4, followed by Dhoni and Co.

Murali Vijay could open the innings, as he has done so many times for CSK in the past, and the 3-time IPL champions might just manage to make do without Raina.