“I Played for MS Dhoni, Then I Played for India”, Suresh Raina

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina opened up on his relationship with the legendary MS Dhoni and also revealed why he had announced his retirement along with the ex-Indian skipper on 15 August 2020.  Raina’s camaraderie with Dhoni is known to all. The relationship between two small-town boys has grown exceptionally over the years and their bromance is known in the whole cricketing fraternity. Both players not only played for India for many years but they were also together since the inception of the Indian Premier League, playing for the Chennai Super Kings. 

Raina retired from international cricket minutes after MS Dhoni decided to hang up his boots at the highest level on August 15, 2020. Raina joined him too in this new journey stating how it was an amazing experience to have play with someone like Dhoni. This particular incident is enough to highlight the bond both the cricketers shared. While speaking to Sports Tak, the southpaw opened up on his friendship with the World Cup-winning captain and said that he was playing for Dhoni first and then his country.

“Dhoni Is a Great Leader and a Great Human Being,” Says Suresh Raina

“We played so many matches together. I was fortunate to play with him for India, and with CSK. We got a lot of love. I’ve come from Ghaziabad, Dhoni from Ranchi. I played for MS Dhoni, then I played for the country. That’s the connection. We’ve played so many finals, we won the World Cup. He’s a great leader and a great human being,” said Suresh Raina.

This is not the first time that Raina has spoken highly of his CSK skipper. He does it time and time again to remind everyone how much he admires the legendary figure that is MS Dhoni. In December 2014, Dhoni shocked everyone by announcing his Test retirement. The announcement was very sudden just like how he announced his retirement from international cricket. Raina had revealed that Dhoni conveyed his decision to him first and asked him to take a picture in the Test whites. In the next series itself, Raina was seen sporting Dhoni’s Test jersey.

There are many such tales that define the relationship between two stalwarts of the Indian team. From sharing the dressing room to iconic partnerships to winning historic moments, Raina and Dhoni had an unforgettable journey together. Not only did they share memorable moments on the field but off the field as well.