Not my domain: CSK boss N Srinivasan on whether he expects Suresh Raina to return to IPL 2020

Chennai Super Kings boss N Srinivasan on Wednesday said it’s not in his domain to decide whether Suresh Raina will be able to play Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 if the former India batsman decides to return to the CSK camp in the UAE. Srinivasan said it’s up to the team management and captain MS Dhoni to take that call.

N Srinivasan’s comments come after Suresh Raina said he has not ruled out chances of returning to IPL 2020. Raina created a stir when CSK announced that he had pulled out of the tournament due to ‘personal reasons’ last month. Raina’s decision came as a big surprise and it led to umpteen speculations, including talks of a rift in the CSK camp.

However, Raina clarified that it was indeed personal reasons that prompted him to head back from the UAE. Raina also conceded that he was concerned about his family, referring to the positive Covid-19 cases in the CSK camp.

“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 has been running cricket since ’60s. I will always remain like that,” N Srinivasan told the Press Trust of India.

“Look, please understand, that 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. 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 times. So, why shall I even interfere in cricketing matters?”

Srinivasan had clarified his reported comments that added fuel to fire, saying it’s unfortunate people ‘are putting two and two together to drive a wedge’. The former BCCI boss said his ‘prima donna’ description has been misconstrued and Raina will always remain an integral part of the CSK dressing room.

Meanwhile, there was some good news from the Chennai Super Kings camp as all their members, except the 13 who tested Covid-19 positive last week, have tested negative for the novel coronavirus. CSK are likely to begin training in Dubai from September, provided the members test negative in their 2nd additional Covid-19 test on Thursday.