Chennai Super Kings’ ‘Chinna Thala’ Suresh Raina was seen practicing with the likes of MS Dhoni and other CSK recruits in Chennai before the training was stopped due to Coronavirus pandemic. Now that the T20 World Cup 2020 has been postponed officially by the ICC, the Indian players have to shift focus on the possibility of the IPL 2020 happening.
However, after more than two months of staying in lockdown, Suresh Raina got back onto the field in Ghaziabad for some outdoor practice and got help from bowlers of the caliber of Mohammad Shami and Piyush Chawla. The eight IPL franchises to put their plan for the delayed IPL 2020 in place, with UAE being reported as the most likely venue.
"Franchises are doing their work, we are doing ours,” Raina said.
The left-hander who is the second-highest run-getter in IPL said that it was due to Rishabh Pant, that he began outdoor practice. "I called Rishabh, and he said 'Raina bhai practice Karte hain' (let's practice), so he came and we arranged everything," Raina told Timesofindia.com.
"This is my personal ground here in Ghaziabad. It's been about 10 days since I started practicing. We have had good practice sessions here," said Raina, who has been sharing videos of his net sessions with Pant, Shami, and Chawla on social media.
It's being reported that, in all likelihood, the IPL will be held from September 26 to November 8. The IPL was postponed indefinitely earlier, before its original start date of March 29, due to COVID-19.
"Franchises are doing their work, we are doing ours. 'Humein jab bola jayega khelne ke liye, hum taiyar hone chahiye' (we have to be ready whenever asked to play)," said the 33-year-old southpaw, who has won three IPL titles with CSK.
Talking about the preparation of players on the mental side, Raina mentioned, "Have to train. As sportspersons, we all need to be mentally very strong. Like everyone is saying now 'IPL hone wala hai' (IPL is around the corner), so we need our preparation, our game back. For that, you need to get going.”
WATCH: Suresh Raina caught Rishabh Pant off-guard as they take ice bath
"Players would need at least 3-4 weeks (of training). If it (IPL) happens say after 20 days or 30 days (from now), a player needs at least 3 to 4 weeks. Definitely there is the government, the BCCI, they must be planning so many things. There will be a lot of things to be taken care of (in light of the pandemic)," said Raina.
However, Raina is happy that he won’t be playing the IPL in peak summer heat. "I am excited that whenever it happens now, it will be in good weather. We are going to miss the fans if they aren't allowed because of the current (coronavirus) situation," said the 2011 World Cup winner.
