Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina returned to India on August 29, with franchise CEO KS Viswanathan saying that the left-hander had left the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to "personal reasons". Viswanathan, in a tweet posted on the team's official Twitter handle, had also said that Raina would be unavailable for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 season. According to a recent development, Suresh Raina chose to skip IPL 2020 due to a rift between him and CSK skipper MS Dhoni. The CSK camp hasn't officially stated the reason behind Suresh Raina leaving in a huff. While some reports have stated that a relative of Suresh Raina was murdered on August 20 in a village in Punjab's Pathankot which is why he withdrew his name from IPL 2020, others have said that the southpaw left because of the COVID-19 threat after several members of the CSK contingent tested positive for the but these reports might not entirely be true.
As reported by Outlook India, ever since the CSK reached the UAE, Suresh Raina was unhappy with the hotel room provided to him. The report further stated that Suresh Raina was finding the stiff protocols of the bio-bubble claustrophobic and wanted a similar room that MS Dhoni had been provided. The report said that the issue with 'Raina's room not having proper balconies' became a flashpoint as the CSK team quarantined itself in the team hotel. MS Dhoni could not convince Suresh Raina and everything got carried away. It added that after 13 members of the Chennai outfit including two players, tested positive for coronavirus and were isolated, Raina's fears only grew.
While speaking to Outlook India, CSK owner and former BCCI president N. Srinivasan expressed his displeasure at Suresh Raina's behaviour. Srinivasan said that Raina's sudden exit left the team in a bit of shock but skipper Dhoni was in complete control of the situation. He added that cricketers are like prima donnas, like the temperamental actors of the olden days. Srinivasan reckoned that the CSK have always been like a family and all seniors players have learnt to co-exist.The CSK owner further took a jibe at Raina saying that according to him, 'if you are reluctant or not happy, you should go back.' He said that he doesn't force anyone to do anything. Srinivasan went on to say that sometimes success gets into your head. He opined that he has got a solid captain in the form of MS Dhoni who is unfazed by anything which has given a lot of confidence to the players. Srinivasan further said that CSK had enough depth and added that Suresh Raina's exit is good news for youngster Ruturaj Gaikwad who will now get the opportunity to prove his worth
