"MS Dhoni Took Permission From Me" - Suresh Raina Opened Up On His Exclusion From Playing XI In The Indian Premier League 2021

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina opened up about his exclusion from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing XI in the later stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Suresh Raina said that skipper MS Dhoni made a tactical move to pick Robin Uthappa in place of him in the line-up.

Robin Uthappa was traded from the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2021. Uthappa made his debut for the CSK against the Delhi Capitals when Suresh Raina was injured. The right-handed batter repaid team management’s faith in him with brilliant performances in the playoff matches.

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During an interaction with Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina confirmed that MS Dhoni approached him before excluding him from the starting XI.

“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 told Uthappa on JioCinema.

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Whether I Play Or He, Robin And Raina Are Same – Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina revealed his conversion with MS Dhoni and said that MS Dhoni asked his opinion on including Robin Uthappa in the team.

“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 the final. If you win, CSK will win. Whether I play or him, Robin and Raina are the same’,” he added.

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The southpaw has been part of the Chennai Super Kings squad since the inaugural edition of the IPL. Raina was part of the four trophy-winning campaigns of the Chennai-based franchise in the IPL. He is the leading run-getter for the franchise, scoring 4687 runs in 176 matches.

On the other hand, Robin Uthappa represented the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings. Uthappa scored 4952 runs in 205 matches with an average of 27.51 and a strike rate of 130.35.

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