Raina opted out of IPL 13 on August 29 citing "personal reasons".
And now a report published in PTI claims that the southpaw’s stint with CSK seems in jeopardy even next year as the franchise might part ways with him leading up to the 2021 edition.
Multiple members of the CSK squad, including two cricketers, were reportedly tested COVID-19 positive, a development that played a massive role in Raina’s sudden exit from the cash-rich tournament, starting September 19.
Moreover, it has now emerged that the team management was not particularly happy with the recently-retired Indian cricketer’s "conduct" during the quarantine period, something which left the CSK owner and former BCCI president N Srinivasan furious.
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"In CSK, the norm is that the coach, captain and the manager get suites. However, Raina also gets a suite in any hotel that the franchise stays. It's just that his room didn't have a balcony," an IPL source told PTI.
"It was an issue but I don't think big enough to warrant a comeback (to India). There could be something more than just the scare of rising COVID-caseload in Chennai," the source added, alluding to a speculated breach of the bio-bubble by Raina.
He also reckons Raina won’t don the yellow jersey in next year’s IPL.
"He is unavailable this season and that is clear from the official statement issued by the CSK. Now there are certain things that have not gone down too well with the top people," the source said.
"It looks highly improbable that someone who has retired and likely won't play any cricket will come back for CSK. Maybe, he will be back in auction and someone else might pick him."
The source said an apology from Raina will have little impact given that the team is looking to invest in future star like Ruturaj Gaikwad.
"I don't know about the apology part but CSK will now be eyeing to prepare Ruturaj looking at the future and Dhoni and Fleming will rejig their strategy accordingly," the source added.
With 193 matches, Raina is the most-capped player in the IPL and has missed only one game for CSK in 10 seasons for the franchise.
The left-hander is CSK's top run-getter with 4527 runs from 164 games, while he is the second highest scorer in IPL history with 5368 runs – only behind RCB skipper Virat Kohli (5412 runs).