IPL 2018 | Suresh Raina ruled out of CSK’s next two IPL matches with calf strain

It’s been a season marred by injuries for MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings as they head into the thick of things in the 2018 Indian Premier League upon their return to the tournament. With two back-to-back wins, the ‘yellow brigade’ are right now at the top the table in the tournament, but all is not right when it comes to the strength of the squad as Dhoni’s disposal.

After losing out on the services of India all-rounder Kedar Jadhav who suffered a hamstring injury in the first match against Mumbai, the latest setback for CSK came in the form of Suresh Raina who’s been ruled out of the team’s next two IPL outings against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday (April 15) and against Rajasthan Royals on Friday (April 20) due to a calf injury.

Raina suffered the injury during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders upon home team’s return to Chepauk, when he took a single off Sunil Narine in the 10th over. Raina experienced pain and received medical attention from the team physio Tommy Simsek. The left-handed all-rounder was eventually dismissed for 14 after he top-edged a pull to the fielder stationed at long-on. 

CSK will have to rely on the services of South African batsman Faf Du Plessis, who himself is under recovery from a finger injury and side strain. Indian Test deputy Murali Vijay who suffered a blow to his ribs during a net session before the match against Mumbai, has recovered and could replace Raina in the team. Youngsters  Dhruv Shorey, Kshitiz Sharma, N Jagadeesan and David Willey, Jadhav's replacement, are the other options for the Chennai-based franchise.