Chennai Super Kings vice-captain, Suresh Raina returned to India on 29 August and amid all the speculations the team’s CEO KS Viswanathan said that Raina had left UAE due to “Personal Reasons”. A tweet posted on the team’s official Twitter account had also confirmed that Raina would be unavailable for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.
Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time.
KS Viswanathan
CEO— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 29, 2020
However, a report by the Outlook claimed that Raina was unhappy with the room he was assigned and wanted a room similar to the room of CSK captain MS Dhoni.
While speaking to Outlook, CSK’s owner N Srinivasan who is also the former president of BCCI, and former chairman of ICC likened cricketers to “prima donnas” but said that Dhoni “was in complete control of the situation”.
“Cricketers are like the prima donnas…like the temperamental actors of olden days. Chennai Super Kings have always been like a family and all seniors players have learned to co-exist,” said Srinivasan.
“My thinking is that if you are reluctant or not happy, go back. I don’t force anyone to do anything… sometimes success gets into your head,” said Srinivasan.
Srinivasan further added, “I spoke to MS Dhoni and he has assured me that even if the number goes up, there was nothing to worry. He spoke to players through a zoom call and asked them to remain safe. You really don’t know who is a passive carrier,”.
N Srinivasan also gave a clue of which player can replace Raina, he said, “Suresh Raina’s exit is also good news for Raturaj Gaikwad”.
The CSK owner believes Raina, who has been part of Chennai Super Kings from the very first season may review his decision and could re-join the team. He said, “The season has not begun and Raina will certainly realize what he is missing, he is going to lose all the money ( a salary of 11 crores per season)”.