Rift over hotel room the reason behind Suresh Raina's departure; N Srinivasan says he behaved like a 'prima donna'

Chennai Super Kings, on Saturday, suffered a massive blow after their vice-captain Suresh Raina opted out of IPL 2020 owing to personal reasons. Raina’s sudden exit from the tournament shocked the entire cricket fraternity, which was eager to witness him in action, especially after his international retirement.

Raina was one of the first players to kick off the preparations for IPL 2020 back at his home. He even had shared several training videos and was a part of CSK’s five-day training camp before departing to UAE for IPL 2020.

Raina left the CSK camp due to personal reasons but rumours of a rift between him and skipper MS Dhoni have surfaced on the internet. CSK owner and former BCCI president N. Srinivasan, opening up on the issue, told Outlook that Raina’s sudden exit left the team in a bit of shock but skipper Dhoni was in ‘complete control of the situation’.

There’s nothing official about Raina’s sudden departure and there have been many reports over the same. The murder of Raina’s relative on August 20 in Punjab’s Pathankot was cited the ‘personal’ reason behind Raina’s decision to leave the tournament abruptly. However, that might not be entirely true.

According to recent reports, Raina was unhappy with the hotel room he was given since his arrival. He was finding it hard to abide by the strict protocols of the bio-bubble. He also wanted a similar room that Dhoni had been provided. Raina’s room didn’t have a proper balcony and that might’ve been an issue for the vice-captain. Dhoni couldn’t pacify Raina over the matter and his fears grew even more after 13 members of the CSK camp tested COVID-19 positive.

Suresh Raina will certainly realise what he is missing: Srinivasan

“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,” said Srinivasan.

“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 added.

Srinivasan also said that Dhoni has assured him about the two players (Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad) recovering soon and getting over the virus. Srinivasan also said that Raina will certainly realize what he is missing, especially the money which he is going to lose.

“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,” he said.

“The season has not begun yet and Raina will certainly realise what he is missing and certainly all the money (a salary of 11 crores per season) he is going to lose,” added the CSK boss.