Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is among the most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. Except for the IPL 2020, CSK have qualified for the playoffs every season they have played.
Speaking in a live chat with R Ashwin, CSK batsman Suresh Raina said the freedom to express themselves due to the backing of captain MS Dhoni and the coaches plays a big role in their success. CSK have appeared in 8 IPL finals and they won three titles, second to Mumbai Indians with five trophies.
ALSO READ: Deepak Chahar opens up on CSK's early exit in IPL 2020; says Suresh Raina's absence hurt them
“Like you said about MS Dhoni’s captaincy, he has given a lot of freedom to all the players. You really need to execute. You work hard and do it during the game when you switch on. And the same thing goes for all the coaches. Now we have Balaji, Fleming, Hussey and a lot of other coaches. I think loyalty sometimes gives you satisfaction. That honesty comes when you try to perform and know that you have a lot of families behind you. So, you just go out and express yourself,” Raina said.
“That’s what I’ve felt in 13 years with CSK. I think, we have that same aura, the same caliber. That’s why we believed so much in each other. We have a few quality all-rounders this time. We haven’t changed much. But then there’s the quality of administration and quality of the captain,” he added.
Ashwin was also part of the CSK franchise from the IPL 2008 to 2015 and Raina recalled an incident when the whole coaching staff was worried for the off-spinner's injury.
“I still remember once you were bowling against RCB, to Chris Gayle, in a qualifier game and you got hit on the head. The whole coaching staff stood up saying if you were okay. That’s the feeling and emotion that brings the team together," he said.
Raina had missed out on IPL 2020 due to personal reasons but he returned to the squad in the IPL 2021. CSK, who had a terrible season in IPL 2020, have come back stronger and they won 5 out of 7 matches in the IPL 14 before the season was suspended.
