Suresh Raina’s sudden return from the Chennai Super Kings camp in Dubai has created feverish speculation. Raina spoke to Soumitra Bose. Excerpts—
Why did the CSK star and Dhoni favourite leave his team in Dubai? It was 'for my family', he tells Outlook, hinting at Covid in the team, scotching speculation about any ill-will
Suresh Raina’s sudden return from the Chennai Super Kings camp in Dubai has created feverish speculation. Raina spoke to Soumitra Bose. Excerpts—
Why did you return from Dubai all of a sudden? CSK said they were caught by complete surprise.
It was a personal decision. I had to come back for my family. There was something that needed to be addressed immediately at the home front. CSK is my family too and Mahi bhai is most important to me. Though it was a tough decision, I had to come back for the family back home.
We were told that you were unhappy with the hotel room. And that even Dhoni could not pacify you. What happened with Dhoni?
These are all fabricated stories. After all these years and after knowing me for so long if you choose to believe it, well all the best.
Were you worried that the team had 13 cases of Covid? Did that influence your decision?
It was heartbreaking of course. This is a deadly disease and even after so many precautions if staff gets infected it just says how bad it can be. I hope everyone gets well soon.
Srinivasan said the tragedy in your family wasn’t the main reason for you coming back. So what was it?
He is like a father figure for me and he’s always stood by me and is close to my heart, he treats me like his younger son and I’m sure a lot is taken out of context.
You have been a loyal CSK player. What’s your future with CSK now?
Yellow is for life. I am very proud of my CSK family.
Srini said you may have a rethink and may want to go back to Dubai.
You never know, you may see me in the camp soon.
How good were the safety protocols in the CSK camp?
The team management and BCCI are doing a very commendable job keeping everyone safe. This has never been done before and it’s new for everyone. It’s a highly secure environment and no one without access can move anywhere. We were all inside our rooms with no human interaction; there was a test every two days.
Shane Watson called you the heartbeat of the team. Now you are back to India. Should Dhoni bat at No. 3?
Watson has the biggest heart; he’s the kindest person I know. He is like a brother to me and over all the years we have had some of best times playing. After all these years and scoring so many runs Dhoni is the perfect fit for No. 3. He can change the course of the game anytime.