If Dhoni doesn’t play the IPL next year, I will also not play, says Suresh Raina

Former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and batsman Suresh Raina share a great camaraderie. The duo played most of their cricket together. Raina was an integral part of the MS Dhoni-led India. Also, the Indian veterans are the two cornerstones of the CSK franchise. They have played together for CSK since the inception of the IPL in 2008, barring two years when CSK was suspended from the league.

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With age not on his side, many believe that the second leg of IPL might be the last we see MSD in yellow Jersey. In an interview with News 24 Sports, Raina revealed he too will draw curtains on his IPL career if MS Dhoni doesn't play the next season. The southpaw, however, added that he will try to convince Dhoni to play on for another season, just in case CSK go on to win IPL 2021.

“If Dhoni doesn’t play the IPL next year, then I will also not play. We have played together since 2008. And, if we win the IPL this year, I will convince him to play the next season as well.”

Raina further said that he wants to keep playing for CSK even as two teams are all set to be added to the tournament next year.

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“Two new teams will be coming in next season but I want to keep playing for CSK. I hope we do well in this tournament, then we will see how things go.”

Notably, Raina announced his international retirement on the same day as Dhoni. The two scripted many memorable wins for India and CSK. Raina wished Dhoni on his birthday and shared an adorable video that captured the close bond between the two.

Wishing you a very happy birthday @msdhoni You have been a friend, brother & a mentor to me, all one could ever ask for. May God bless you with good health & long life! Thank you for being an iconic player & a great leader.#HappyBirthdayDhoni ❤️🙌 pic.twitter.com/qeLExrMonJ

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) July 6, 2021