IPL 2020: CSK's predicted playing XI

Middle Order: Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni

Former Indian captain MS Dhoni will have to be at his best in IPL 2020

In the absence of Raina, Ambati Rayudu would be the safe bet to come in at No. 3. The Hyderabad batsman has both experience and a calm head on his shoulders while batting, and his familiarity with the opening and No. 4 roles make him the perfect candidate to fill in the void left by CSK's leading run-scorer in the history of the IPL.

Rayudu could play the anchor role for CSK, and he could also attack right from the outset if the openers get off to a good start.

In the No. 4 spot that was occupied by Rayudu for the major part of the 2019 IPL, Kedar Jadhav makes a surprise appearance. The stocky batsman is guaranteed to be a part of the CSK playing XI due to the withdrawals of Raina and Harbhajan, with his off-spin on the slow and low UAE tracks expected to be a handful in IPL 2020.

Although Jadhav hasn't batted this high up the order recently, he is the best possible choice for CSK due to his experience and prowess against spin. The 35-year-old also has the ability to accelerate in the middle overs, and this promotion in the batting order could unleash the best in him.

Coming in at No. 5 is CSK captain MS Dhoni. There have been talks of him moving higher up the order now that he has retired from international retirement, but it is highly unlikely at the moment. The former Indian skipper will have to play the finisher's role for CSK in IPL 2020 although there is still enough batting left to come, and him batting at No. 4 would perhaps expose him too early.

Dhoni will be at his destructive best at No. 5, and even if he himself doesn't want to bat at the position, this is probably the decision that is the best for the team.

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