Picture Credit: Twitter/Chennaiipl
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina shares a very unique and special bond with MS Dhoni, which is no secret to anyone. The duo has won numerous matches for the national side as well as for Chennai Super Kings in franchise cricket over the years. While they shared some of the most amazing memories on the field, they etched another chapter in the history books of their friendship when they announced retirement from international cricket on the same day - August 15, 2020.
Dhoni and Raina returned on the field once again to play IPL 2020 but their reunion was cut short after Mr. IPL had to go back home due to personal reasons. Chennai Super Kings had a disastrous season thereafter as they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in the history of the tournament. However, Raina returned to CSK in the first half of IPL 2021 and things took a dramatic turn for the Yellow Army.
Raina reflects on CSK's IPL 2021 campaign so far
At almost the halfway mark of the season, Chennai Super Kings found themselves at 2nd spot in the standings. MS Dhoni's side played a different brand of fearless cricket in the first half of IPL 2021 and Raina credited his captain for the same.
While speaking on Star Sports' show 'Cricket Connected', Raina said, "I think the way we were playing this year, we were having some extra confidence from his captaincy and he was enjoying each other’s success. He was giving freedom to all the players and having Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Dwayne Bravo and Ruturaj in the side, we had the momentum. Hopefully, we can do it again this year for MS."
I have learnt a lot from MS Dhoni: Raina
MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina are famously known as Thala (leader) and Chinna Thala (right hand of the leader), respectively. The duo has the utmost respect for each other having played together for more than 15 years.
Reflecting on their bond, Raina said, "It's just the emotion. On top of that, we have that respect for each other. I have learnt a lot from him and he is like a big brother to me." The southpaw added that the belief and respect they have for each other is immense and that is what everyone loves about it.