Mumbai: Cricketer Suresh Raina has said he will not play in the upcoming IPL if the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team captain MS Dhoni decides to retire.
In a recent interview, however, he also said that he might convince Dhoni for the IPL 2022 if CSK wins this year.
“I have four-five years left in me. We will have the IPL this year with two more teams next year. But I think I’ll play for CSK till I retire. I hope we do well this year,” Raina said.
“If Dhoni Bhai doesn’t play next season, I too won’t play. We’ve been playing together since 2008. If we win this year, I’ll convince him to play next year too. But if he refuses, then I don’t think I will play for any IPL team,” he added.
Dhoni and Raina have been the face of the CSK since the League’s inception. Their bond is well-known to audiences and fans worldwide. So last year it was no surprise when Dhoni announced his retirement and Raina followed suit.
The CSK took the 7th position in the IPL held in the UAE last year. This year the team looked promising before the pandemic struck again.
On July 7, the Meerut-born cricketer took to social media to greet Dhoni on his birthday. He shared a video on Instagram with a caption, “Wishing you a very happy birthday MS Dhoni. You have been a friend, brother, and mentor to me, all one could ever ask for. May God bless you with good health and long life! Thank you for being an iconic player and a great leader.”
(Avya Mathur)
