Suresh Raina's CSK comeback will be decided by MS Dhoni: N Srinivasan

The Chennai Super Kings were taken aback by the sudden departure of their star player Suresh Raina last week. Mixed reports suggested different angles in his decision to move back to India. Some said that his closed relative was murdered by unnamed assailants in Pathankot while other reports suggested that he was feared for his toddlers due to the probable spread of COVID-19 in CSK camp.

Amid this, N Srinivasan’s ‘prima donna’ and ‘fame has gone into his head’ comments for Raina made headlines. However, in a recent turn of events, the 33-year-old cleared the air and put an end to all the speculations. He said, he only went home due to ‘personal reasons’ where his young family needed him the most. There was no rift between him and the CSK management. He also said that ‘Srinivasan is like a father figure to me and has rights to scold me.’

The former BCCI chief who got furious earlier also softened his stand later and said that the southpaw’s decision to join back the team is purely in the hands of team management led by MS Dhoni.

“I have treated him like one (son). The reason for CSK’s success in IPL over the years is because of the fact that the franchise never poked its nose into cricketing matters. India Cements is running cricket since the ’60s. I will always remain like that,” said Srinivasan as quoted by My Khel.

Look, please understand, that’s not my domain: N Srinivasan

Further speaking that he has no interest in who plays and who doesn’t, he said that it is totally a team decision.

“Look, please understand, that’s not my domain (whether Raina will come back or not) at all. We own a team, we own the franchise, but we do not own players. The team is ours, but the players are not. I don’t own the players, I am not the cricket captain. I have never told them (team management) whom to play, whom to take in the auction, never. We have the greatest captain of all time. So, why shall I even interfere in cricketing matters?”