Suresh Raina left the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp due to personal reasons but rumours of a rift between him and skipper MS Dhoni have surfaced thick and fast. CSK owner and former BCCI president N. Srinivasan, opening up on the issue, has now said that Raina’s sudden exit left the team in a bit of shock but skipper Dhoni was in ‘complete control of the situation’.
Earlier in the day, Cricket Age had exclusively published that Raina was unhappy with the bio-secure bubble, isolation and hotel room he was given since his arrival. He was finding it hard to abide by the strict protocols of the bio-bubble. He also wanted a similar room that Dhoni had been provided. Raina’s room didn’t have a proper balcony and that might’ve been an issue for the vice-captain. Dhoni couldn’t pacify Raina over the matter and his fears grew even more after 13 members of the CSK camp tested COVID-19 positive.
“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.
“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 added.
Srinivasan also said that Dhoni has assured him about the two players (Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad) recovering soon and getting over the virus. Srinivasan also said that Raina will certainly realize what he is missing, especially the money which he is going to lose.
“I spoke to MS (Dhoni) and he has assured me that even if the numbers go up, there was nothing to worry. He spoke to the players through a zoom call and asked them to remain safe. You really don’t know who is a passive carrier,” he said.
“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,” added the CSK boss.
