Reports: Suresh Raina might never return for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Suresh Raina’s departure from the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has left a lot to be desired for. After members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) tested positive for COVID-19, the 33-year-old Raina travelled back to India, citing personal reasons. Things have fallen apart a wee bit for the Yellow Army with less than three weeks left for the start of the tournament.

If reports are to be believed, Raina might never come back to play for the Super Kings, captained by MS Dhoni. It’s been learned that some of the top officials are irked over Raina’s behaviour, making things tough for the southpaw going ahead. Going by reports, the Uttar Pradesh-born, who retired from international cricket on August 15, might be back in the auction for 2021.

“In CSK, the norm is that the coach, captain and the manager get suites. However, Raina also gets a suite in any hotel that the franchise stays. It’s just that his room didn’t have a balcony,” an IPL source was quoted as saying in Times Now.

Suresh Raina might be back for the IPL 2021 auction

“He is unavailable this season and that is clear from the official statement issued by the CSK. Now there are certain things that have not gone down too well with the top people. It looks highly improbable that someone who has retired and likely won’t play any cricket will come back for CSK. Maybe, he will be back in the auction and someone else might pick him,” the source added.

Previously, former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president N Srinivasan was gutted over Raina, backing out of the IPL. The 75-year-old said that the left-hander acted like ‘prima donnas’ and success got into his head.

“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. 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 said.

Raina is CSK’s leading run-scorer in the history of the tournament and second overall after Virat Kohli. The Yellow Army will now have to find an apt replacement for the number threes spot in their experienced batting lineup. The Super Kings are now quarantining, which is supposed to end on Sunday, September 6.