MSK Prasad didn't speak to me at all: Suresh Raina responds to former chief selector's claims

Amid the time when the whole world has come to a standstill because of COVID-19 outbreak, Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan conducted an Instagram live session to entertain their fans. Both the Indian players discussed a plethora of topics during their interaction on the live session.

Raina, who has currently been sidelined from the national side, also pointed out that many players including himself should get a chance to bounce back into the Indian team. Such out-of-favour should be allowed to get a chance to perform in overseas leagues so that they can perform there and pave their way back into the national side.

“There are many quality players like me, Yusuf and Uthappa, such players should get a chance from the BCCI to play overseas leagues, where they can perform well and make their India comeback. All the overseas players get many chances to play all T20 leagues and get into their respective national teams. Such a mindset should come in Indian cricket,” said Raina during the chat.

There was no communication from MSK Prasad: Suresh Raina

Raina’s response came after former chief selector MSK Prasad had earlier responded to his comments. Raina had stated that selectors should take more responsibility towards senior players. Prasad had explained the reason behind Raina’s failure to make a comeback in the Indian team. He had opined that the primary reason behind Raina’s absence from the national squad was his poor form in the domestic league. Prasad had also clarified that he had spoken and explained Raina the roadmap for his comeback.

“I had personally spoken to Raina calling him to my room and explained him the roadmap for his future comebacks. He had, back then, appreciated my efforts,” Prasad had said.

However, Raina, in the interaction with Irfan, Raina revealed about his chat with Prasad. “MSK Prasad said that I under-performed and also stated that he spoke to me about my axing, but he didn’t speak to me at all. When my time comes, I will play.”

Regarded as one of the most talented batsmen of Team India, Raina has been struggling with his form and fitness over a couple of years. He also underwent knee surgery in the Netherlands last years. Considered as an integral part of the CSK squad, Raina was set to don the Chennai-based franchise’s jersey in the IPL 2020. However, the tournament has currently been postponed indefinitely in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.