Suresh Raina with MS Dhoni. (Express File)
Taking a sly dig on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals (DC), former India cricketer Suresh Raina said these teams never won the IPL because they used to party a lot in the formative years of the tournament.
“Chennai never partied. That’s why they have been the most successful,” Raina said on Lallantop.
“Two-three teams who partied have not won the IPL yet,” he said.
The host asked: “Do you mean RCB?”
Raina replied: “No, there are a few teams who haven’t won, they must have partied hard.”
“We (CSK) didn’t do it. That’s why we have 5 IPL trophies and 2 Champions League trophies. MI also have won 5 trophies,” he added.
Raina also revealed why CSK never used to party.
“If you party late into the night, how will you play in the morning? In May-June’s heat, how will you play afternoon games if you have partied all night?” Raina said.
“The entire team was particular about not partying late into the night. We are also playing for India, keep in mind. If I don’t play well, why will my captain select me? Now, I am free, I have retired. We can party,” Raina he said.
Raina on MS Dhoni
Suresh Raina also revealed that MS Dhoni was much more relaxed while captaining Chennai Super Kings than what he used to be as Team India captain.
“Dhoni was much more relaxed while leading the franchise than when captaining India. He had a lot of pressure while leading the nation on the global stage,” said Raina.
He further added that Dhoni was very tactically strong.
Get latest updates on IPL 2024 from IPL Points Table to Teams, Schedule, Most Runs and Most Wickets along with live score updates for all matches. Also get Sports news and more cricket updates.