Ajinky Rahane did not bat against KKR due to an injury. It is not sure if he would get fit by the next game. It will be a big blow for CSK because if a few early wickets fall, Rahane’s experience would have been needed for the team. Nevertheless, it would be an opportunity for the other youngsters in the team. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of two players who could replace Ajinkya Rahane if he is not fit for the next game.
1) Shaik Rasheed
Shaikh Rasheed has been with CSK for a while now. He usually finds himself on the bench as a possible Impact Substitute. However, he has not made his debut for CSK till now. Considering CSK need to scout a few wicket-keeping talents before IPL 2025, they could offer a chance for Shaik Rasheed.
The Andhra Pradesh batter is technically sound and can play in the top-order. Although Sameer Rizvi might get the chance to operate at No.3, Shaikh Rasheed will still consider it a good platform to showcase his skills to the management and the skipper.
2) Nishant Sindhu
Nishant Sindhu is one of the players who could replace Ajinkya Rahane in the CSK playing XI if he is not fit for the next game. CSK management is a fan of multi-dimensional cricketers. Hence, it won’t be a surprise if they pick an all-rounder as a replacement for Ajinkya Rahane. Nishant Sindhu is similar to Ravindra Jadeja but it will be interesting to see if he offers something different with the bat and the ball.
CSK might further experiment by sending Nishant up the order. For his domestic side, he usually plays in the lower middle-order. However, CSK is known to bring different facets of a cricketer. Hence, Nishant Sindhu could have a different role in the CSK XI.
