XtraTime Web Desk: There is a new twist in the story involving Chennai Super King’s (CSK) dependable batsman Suresh Raina’s pull out from the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. It was widely reported that the left hander left the team on Saturday citing ‘personal reasons’ but rumours of a ‘rift’ between him and a team member has surfaced.
According to a report in Outlook, Raina was not happy with the hotel room provided to him in Dubai. Chennai Super Kings team has been staying in Taj Dubai since reaching in UAE on August 21. The issue with ‘Raina’s room was it did not have proper balconies. Raina did bring the matter to MS Dhoni but even the CSK captain failed to pacify as the matter went out of control. The veteran all-rounder was finding the stiff protocols of the bio-bubble claustrophobic and wanted a similar room that Dhoni had been provided.
In an interview to Outlook, Chennai Super Kings owner 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.”
Srinivasan further added, “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,”
The former BCCI supremo also made it clear that the matter was efficiently handled by Dhoni.
‘Dhoni not worried at all. He is in complete control of the situation. 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 don’t know who is a passive carrier,” Srinivasan said.
Sources in the knowhow about the incident in Dubai confirmed there was an incident involving Raina. The cricketer from Uttar Pradesh was finding it extremely difficult to adjust in the bio-bubble. The health officer attached to the franchise reported the incident to the team management. The recent positive cases in the team also played a part but it is not the only reason. By deciding not to play the cash rich league this season, Raina will get to lose 12.5 crore.