Suresh Raina, who is the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) took the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans by surprise as he decided to pull out of the tournament. Raina, who cited ‘personal reasons’ behind him pulling out of the 13th edition, has returned to India and will no more be available for this season.
It was reported that there was a ‘rift’ between MS Dhoni and Raina over the room that was allotted to the left-hander.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Raina has spoken on the matter and has revealed what made him pull out the tournament.
“When the bio-bubble is not safe how does one take a chance? I have a family with two little kids — and elderly parents. For me returning to the family was more important,” Raina said.
The decision wasn’t an easy one for Raina, who had been preparing for the tournament much before he left for Chennai.
“It was a tough decision. CSK is also like my family but when the face of my kids surfaced in Dubai and the COVID situation was not looking good, I decided to return,” Mr. IPL said.
Refuting reports of a rift with Dhoni, Raina added, “Mahibhai is like my elder brother. These are all fabricated stories.”
Raina also did not rule out the possibility of making a comeback in the tournament depending on the coronavirus situation in Dubai.
“I am a CSK player forever. If the situation gets better in Dubai, I may even return. The door is not closed on me,” Raina said.
13 members of the CSK contingent were tested positive for COVID-19 which has possibly led to a delay in the schedule of IPL 2020. Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaekwad were two cricketers who tested positive while other members who tested positive were from CSK’s support staff.
