Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris on Friday (September 11) suggested Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to utilize Ambati Rayudu at No. 3 in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) as Suresh Raina has pulled out of the competition.

See Also: Suresh Raina wants to see MS Dhoni bat at number 3 for CSK in IPL 13

Last month, Raina opted out of the IPL 2020 citing “personal reasons” and Styris reckons that Rayudu, who has featured in 147 IPL games, is an ideal candidate to bat at the one down slot.

"Personally, I'd put Rayudu in there to take that spot," Styris said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

Styris acknowledged that Raina's exit has left a massive void in CSK’s line-up and that it is not going to be easy to find a substitute for the seasoned campaigner.

"...a player of that class, a player who has been so good for so long. To suddenly finds those runs, even in the field and the odd over as well with the ball, is going to be a big task.

"I know that the CSK squad is deep, they've got a lot of options at the top, but I also believe that as much as the pressure is now on to find that No 3, it's just probably the most challenging time that I can look for anyway for CSK.

"And in particular, the leadership of this group I think with (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni and Stephen Fleming it's up to them now to bring the group together, now that they have lost Raina and Harbhajan (Singh)."

Under Dhoni's leadership, CSK will be looking to clinch their fourth IPL title and draw level with the defending champions Mumbai Indians.

Commenting on CSK, Styris added, "Couple of options they could go with, the two overseas players at the top and bring in the youngster Gaekwad as well or they may decide to have a pitch-hitter."

The 13th edition of Indian Premier League will be played in UAE from September 19 to November 10. Super Kings will open their campaign in the tournament opener against Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi.