Suresh Raina will return to the CSK camp: Deep Dasgupta

In a video chat with ESPNCricinfo, former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta said that he feels Suresh Raina, who abruptly left the Chennai Super Kings camp due to personal reasons, will return to the United Arab Emirates to rejoin the 3-time IPL champions.

Dasgupta feels that Raina might miss out on the first few games of the IPL due to the quarantine protocol, but will be back on the team sheet subsequently. The wicketkeeper-batsman from Bengal also pointed this out as a reason behind CSK not announcing a replacement for the left-hander.

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“I have a feeling that Suresh Raina will be back playing the IPL. He might miss out on the first few games because of the quarantine rules and all but I have a feeling that Suresh will be back. I won’t be surprised if they don’t pick a replacement for Suresh.”

Raina himself has hinted on a return to UAE to play the IPL. He told Cricbuzz, “I’ve been training even while quarantining here. You never know you might see me in the camp there again.” 

Dasgupta, though, said that the Chennai Super Kings might look to name Jalaj Saxena, the Madhya Pradesh-born all-rounder, in place of Harbhajan Singh, who, like Raina, opted to skip the IPL this year citing personal reasons.

He said, “As far as the replacement is concerned, there aren’t too many options. But I think Jalaj Saxena deserves a place, he’s a good enough all-rounder. I think they might look at him, he’s a very good option for Bhajji’s replacement.”