‘MS Dhoni Took Permission From Me’: Suresh Raina On Veteran’s Inclusion In CSK’s Playing XI

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings took a tricky name in the direction of the tip of IPL 2021 by dropping their star participant Suresh Raina to make place for Robin Uthappa. It was a match in opposition to Delhi Capitals that noticed CSK’s then new recruit Uthappa getting an opportunity. He was traded to the aspect from Rajasthan Royals forward of IPL 2021. Back then, Dhoni had knowledgeable on the toss that Raina was injured. However, the participant by no means returned into CSK’s enjoying XI for the rest of the season.

During an interplay with Robin Uthappa, Raina revealed that giving a chance to the right-handed batter was a tactical transfer and that CSK skipper Dhoni consulted him for it.

“When MS Dhoni and I talked, I suggested him that ‘you should try Robin Uthappa’. He (Dhoni) took permission from me to play you and I said him that ‘he is the guy to give you the final, trust me’,” Raina advised Uthappa on JioCinema.

Raina added that he lacking out on the ultimate XI ‘was not within the dictionary of Dhoni’, however the batting southpaw satisfied his skipper by saying that Uthappa deserved to be within the staff.

“MS Dhoni said that ‘see we have played since 2008 but I want to win this season. Now, you tell me what to do’. I said ‘play Robin at number 3 and make sure he is in the playing XI till final. If you win, CSK will win. Whether I play or him, Robin and Raina are same’,” the CSK nice added.

While Uthappa scored 115 runs throughout 4 matches in IPL 2021 with a strike price of 136.90, CSK went on to win the title by beating Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs within the ultimate.