IPL 2018: One player each IPL team cannot afford to lose through injury
An IPL season, which spreads over 60 games, is packed with a tight schedule. The high octane energy levels, scorching Indian summer, and frequent travelling can cause the best of cricketers to fatigue, which in turn can lead to injuries.
Over the years, multiple teams have been plagued by injuries to their players, which has had an adverse impact on their fortunes. Here is a list of one player for each IPL team, who will be missed dearly if they get injured.
Chennai Super Kings - Suresh Raina
In the 2018 auctions, the Chennai Super Kings retained their depth in the batting order like they usually do. With the likes of DJ Bravo, Ambati Rayadu, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kedar Jhadav, they are expected to bat up to number seven or eight. However, one thing that CSK lacks, in short, is the firepower to score quick runs at the top of the order. Suresh Raina has always been that accelerator for CSK coming in at no. 3.
If Raina is injured, there will be multiple options to fill his place, but the strike rate of 139.05 will be hard to replicate. Also, Dhoni is known to use Raina as a slow bowling option in Chepauk. The 2-3 overs bowled in the middle of the innings can be crucial as well and hence, Raina is a valuable asset that CSK cannot afford to lose.