Three-time champions Chennai Super Kings are going through a difficult period ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL). After 13 members including two cricketers tested COVID-19 positive, stalwart Suresh Raina pulled out of IPL 2020 and returned to India.
The veteran cricketer cited personal to withdraw his name from the upcoming tournament and return to India. While reports of COVID-19 fear has surfaced, there is something more to the story.
Rift over hotel room forced Raina to pull out of IPL 2020
Meanwhile, speculations over a rift between Raina and team management has surfaced on social media. It is learnt that ever since CSK landed in Dubai on August 21, Suresh Raina was unhappy with the hotel room he was provided. He also found the strict bio-secure bubble claustrophobic and wanted a room like MS Dhoni.
Moreover, the issue with ‘Raina’s room not having proper balconies’ became a flashpoint as the CSK team quarantined itself in the team hotel. So much so that even Dhoni, a close confidant of Raina couldn’t calm the situations down.
While the sudden decision came as a surprise to everyone, CSK boss N Srinivasan said that MS Dhoni had everything under control. He also said that the team is trying to get over it as early as possible. Moreover, the Super Kings are already looking ahead of Suresh Raina in the coming days.
“Cricketers are like prima donnas … like the temperamental actors of the olden days. Chennai Super Kings have always been like a family and all seniors players have learnt to co-exist,” said Srinivasan to Outlook.
“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,” Srinivasan said.
Furthermore, N Srinivasan believes that Suresh Raina will want to come back after releasing what he will be missing. Incidentally, Raina earns a hefty sum of Rs 11 crores per season playing in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings.
“The season has not begun yet and Raina will certainly realise what he is missing and certainly all the money (a salary of 11 crores per season) he is going to lose,” the CSK boss said.
