SURASH SHOT!
CSK might part ways with their star Raina
New Delhi, Aug. 31: His exit from the IPL attributed to personal reasons this season, all-rounder Suresh Raina’s stint with Chennai Super Kings seems in jeopardy even next year as the franchise might part ways with him before the
2021 edition.
The CSK camp based in Dubai reported 13
Covid-19 cases, a development which an IPL source said, played a role in the recentlyretired India player’s exit from the event. However, it has now emerged that the team management was not happy with the 32-yearold’s “conduct” during the quarantine time, something which infuriated CSK owner and former BCCI president N. Srinivasan.
“In CSK, the norm is that the coach, captain and the manager get suites. However, Raina also gets a suite in any hotel that the franchise stays. It’s just that his room didn’t have a balcony,” a source said.
“It was an issue but I don’t think big enough to warrant a comeback (to India). There could be something more than just the scare of rising Covid-caseload,” the source added, alluding to a speculated breach of the biobubble by Raina.
He said given the situation, Raina could well be gone for good now not only this season but also the next IPL scheduled in April,
2021. Is there a possibility of Raina coming back, thereby changing the circumstances? “He is unavailable this season and that is clear from the official statement issued by the CSK. Now there are certain things that have not gone down too well with the top people,” the source said.
“It looks highly improbable that someone who has retired and likely won’t play any cricket will come back for CSK. Maybe, he will be back in auc
tion and someone else might pick him.”
CSK is punting heavily on young Ruturaj, expecting that he will come good once he completes the quarantine and rejoins the training session after two negative tests.
“CSK has not yet asked for an official replacement for Raina...they are undecided,” the source said.
On the speculated bio-bubble breach, the source said an apology from Raina will have little impact given that the team is looking ahead. “I don’t know about the apology part but CSK will now be eyeing to prepare Ruturaj looking at the future and Dhoni and Fleming will rejig their strategy accordingly,” the source added.