Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won't have their ideal number three batsman from many seasons, Suresh Raina this year. The veteran batsman has decided not to take part in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) citing personal reasons.

Raina, who returned to his family after a couple of CSK players were infected by COVID-19, has opened up about his pick for the vacant number 3 spot. He feels CSK skipper MS Dhoni is the right man to take the job for his team.

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"He has the experience to bat at that position. How can one forget Dhoni's 148 against Pakistan in the second ODI at Visakhapatnam in April 2005,"  Raina was quoted by Outlook.

"It's a very crucial position and the No. 3 position will give Dhoni more flexibility," he added.

Dhoni had batted at number three early in his international career and had a good record at the crucial position. But we will have to wait to see if he actually climbs up in the batting order after Raina decided to leave.

Even former India batsman Gautam Gambhir had talked about Dhoni being CSK's number 3 position batsman for the upcoming season. But it all depends on Dhoni and what role he wants to play.

(With Outlook Inputs)