If Dhoni Bhai doesn’t play the next IPL then even I wouldn’t: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina has always been effusive in praise of MS Dhoni owing to the respect and admiration he has for him. Playing alongside him for the country and the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, Raina has developed a special bond with Dhoni about which he has always been vocal. However, Suresh Raina has now asserted that if Dhoni decides to hang up his boots from IPL, then he too would walk the same path.

In an interview with News 24 Sports, Raina came up with an astounding statement. When asked about his thoughts on playing for any other franchise other than CSK in the coming years, he stated that he wouldn’t continue to play IPL if Dhoni signs off from the league. Raina also said that if CSK triumph this year then he will convince Dhoni to continue to play. He further added the experience of playing with him and also expressed the eagerness to get back to domestic cricket as well.

“If Dhoni Bhai doesn’t play the next IPL then even I wouldn’t play. We have played together here since 2008. However, if we win this year I will convince him to play next year as only 3-4 months would be there. There is a lot of domestic cricket too and UP has some talented players.” Raina asserted.

"If Dhoni will not play next IPL then I will also not play next IPL"🥺💛 – Suresh Raina
😭😭 pic.twitter.com/lBp57unz9o

— Nischal 💛💙 (@SlowerOne_) July 9, 2021

Suresh Raina’s special bond with Dhoni

Last year, on the 15^th of August, the nation went in a frenzy when MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. The news as expected hit the cricketing world in a subtle ‘Dhoni way’. However, before the fans could get on terms with Dhoni’s retirement, Suresh Raina declared that he has bid goodbye to international cricket. Raina’s retirement amazed many as people expected him to hang in around a bit more. But just like a Sudama to Dhoni’s Krishna, he called off curtains on his game.

Talking about this season, CSK has so far had a good season coming from the backdrop of a lean patch last year. As the remainder of the IPL is now staged in the UAE, it would be for all of us to watch how the Dhoni-led CSK take their momentum further. Suresh Raina has always been an important cog of CSK’s wheel and has contributed with the willow in many of the team’s triumphs. It will be intriguing what the future of Rain and Dhoni would hold post this year’s IPL.