XtraTime Web Desk: Three times Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been found struggling in their last two matches of IPL 2020. MS Dhoni led franchise has totally looked out of sorts against Delhi Capitals on Friday, September 25, 2020. Barring the exception of Faf du Plessis, the entire CSK batting looked out of sorts against the Delhi bowling, managing just 131/7 while chasing 176 runs to win. It also exposed the absence of key batsman Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu in the batting order. While the later we all know is nursing an injury, Raina is yet to get a green signal from the team management to join the squad in UAE.
Raina pulled out of IPL 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’ giving a big jolt to CSK’s chances in the 13th edition of the league. But post that he has dropped hints on many occasions that he may go back to CSK camp soon. “I’ve been training even while quarantining here. You never know you might see me in the CSK camp once again”, he said recently in an interview.
The issue with the left hander is that the team management has still not given their nod for him to join the squad despite his willingness to rejoin. The CSK team management it is learnt has not taken Raina’s departure from UAE nicely. They have even reportedly removed him from the CSK’s Whatsapp group.
Now, with the batting looking out of sorts it will be interesting if the management re-thinks their stand-point on Raina.
If the CSK management does give their nod, Raina will have to follow SOPs set by BCCI since he has moved out of the Bio-Bubble. It will mean he will have to go through 6 days quarantine after landing in UAE during which he will undergo three COVID-19 tests. He will only be allowed to train outdoor if all the reports come negative. This means even if Dhoni allows Raina’s comeback, he will only be available after 7-8 days in quarantine.
The good part is CSK have a six-day break before their next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on October 2. Whether Suresh Raina is allowed by the CSK team management to re-join the squad, only time will say.