Suresh Raina’s sudden withdrawal from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) has gone viral all over the world. It has left the Chennai Super Kings fans in complete disarray. It is understood that the recently retired cricketer has given personal reasons for his withdrawal. A report on Outlook suggests that Raina had a rift with the team management over several issues. They also indicated that he had his differences with CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
N. Srinivasan – chief of India Cements that owns CSK made some comments about the veteran batsman. In these comments, he claimed him to be a “Prima Donna”, which also means a very self-centred person. The CSK owner alleged Raina as a Prima Donna in their Dubai hotel when the team needed him during their bad phase.
In the official statement, CSK management has not cleared the air about Raina’s withdrawal from the tournament. However, with reports circulating that his uncle was killed in Pathankot, this may well be the reason for his early departure to India. Recent comments from N Srinivasan suggests that we have a lot more to the story than that.
What N. Srinivasan Stated?
As per the report on Outlook says, the 33-year was not happy with his hotel room in Dubai. Raina wanted to stay in a room with balcony just like MS Dhoni’s, he reasoned that he was feeling claustrophobic with the bio bubble rules and regulations.
While commenting on the situation, N Srinivasan said, “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.”
The CSK owner confirmed that the team have already put this incident behind themselves and will be looking to perform well in the upcoming IPL. He also adds how Raina will regret his decision of leaving early mainly when he will realize the money he lost this season.
“My thinking is that if you are reluctant or not happy, go back. I do not force anyone to do anything … sometimes success gets into your head. The season has not begun yet and Raina will certainly realize what he is missing and certainly, all the money (a salary of 11 crores per season) he is going to lose.”
The Story Further About The Pre-IPL Exit
At first, it is understood that the team was in shock of Raina’s decision. However, then captain MS Dhoni has handled the situation well. Now, they are well over it.
A total of 13 people were tested positive for COVID-19 in the CSK camp. This includes two players. This is also being speculated as one of the reasons for his early exit as he supposedly was concerned for his children.
Srinivasan affirms that Dhoni has assured him that the situation is under control. The players are raring to give their best on the field. “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 do not know who is a passive carrier.”
