Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Irfan Pathan has on Sunday (September 6) expressed his views on the latest crunch at the MS Dhoni-led franchise created by Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh’s non-participation decision ahead of the IPL 2020.

After Raina pulled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Harbhajan also announced his non-participation in the tournament to be held in the United Arab Emirates from 19^th September citing personal reasons which created tension at the CSK camp.

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Reacting to the same, Pathan said he still has hopes of Raina rejoining the CSK squad in the UAE but said it will be very difficult for the three-time champions to find an ideal replacement of veteran off-spinner while revealing that the franchise is considering 3-4 off-spinning options as a possible replacement.

He further noted that the 40-year-old spinner left a huge void, given his uncanny control with the new ball, saying his former teammate could have been pretty handy on the slow pitches of the UAE.

Pathan said on Star Sports' show ‘Cricket Connected’, “I have hope and I personally also want that Suresh Raina comes back, there is a chance for that. But getting a replacement for Harbhajan Singh will be very difficult. It will be very difficult to find a quality off-spinner like him in domestic cricket.”

The 35-year-old added, “They are trying as well. I have got some information as well that the CSK team and management are considering the names of 3-4 off-spinners but the void created by Harbhajan Singh’s absence is very difficult to be filled.”

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He further reasoned, “Because whatever issue Raina has, if that gets sorted out he can come back but it will be a very big loss for CSK when Harbhajan Singh does not play for them. Because there are a lot of left-handers against whom he used to play and bowl brilliantly. He even used to bowl with the new ball which used to impact the team’s performance a lot.”

Noteworthy, MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings will take on the defending champions Mumbai Indians in the IPL 13 opener on September 19 in Dubai and would be looking to win their fourth IPL title this year.