IPL 2019: Suresh Raina hints at CSK’s leadership from next season

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have seen a lot of success ever since the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). One of the major reasons behind their upsurge has been the enigmatic MS Dhoni, whose love for the game, doesn’t seem to die even at the age of 37. However, age is catching up with the veteran as he has missed a couple of games in the championship.

The first time around, he pulled out due to a back spasm and the second time around, he fell sick. In his absence, Suresh Raina, who has been with the franchise from 2008, captained the three-time IPL champions. To Raina’s disappointment, CSK lost both the games against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Hyderabad and Chennai respectively.

Yesterday, Dhoni came back and played a handy knock of 44* runs off 22 balls against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Chepauk. Moreover, he also inflicted two stumpings to dismiss Shreyas Iyer and Chris Morris. The Super Kings bowled DC out for 99 and won the game by 80 after scoring 179.

You know him and Chennai

Following Dhoni’s superlative efforts, Raina lauded him and talked about his relationship with Chennai. Moreover, Raina also hinted that he may take up the leadership role from next year onwards while saying that it’s up to Dhoni to decide until when he wishes to continue for CSK.

“He has done well in the last couple of years as a batsman as well team mentor. So probably you may see me more next year when he is done but I need more of his calibre. But he will continue as long as he wants to play for Chennai, you know him and Chennai,” Raina was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference.

With yesterday’s victory, Chennai now have nine victories from 13 matches and are all set to finish among the top two teams. Their final round-robin match is against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Sunday, May 5 at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

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