 "Did CSK party during past IPLs? Here's what former player Suresh Raina said")
In its earlier editions Indian Premier League (IPL) saw franchisees organising after-match parties after their games. But there was one team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which never enjoyed after-match parties, former cricketer-turned commentator Suresh Raina has revealed.
When asked about after-match parties during the early days of IPL, Raina said CSK never indulged in that sort of activity since the start of the cash-rich league.
But, he jokingly said such parties might be the reason why two or three teams never won IPL titles.
However, after-match parties might not have such an effect in the game of cricket, given that Australian legend Shane Warne wrote in his autobiography "No Spin" how Rajasthan Royals emerged champions in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League.
Warne wrote that to inspire the youngsters he told them we have an after-match party every time the team won an IPL 2008 game.
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Raina on Dhoni's attitude as CSK captain
Raina also revealed how M S Dhoni, the CSK captain was different from the captain cool of Team India.
"Dhoni was much more relaxed while leading the franchise than when captaining India. He had a lot of pressure while leading the nation on the global stage," said Raina, who scored 5,528 runs for CSK.
He further added that Dhoni was very tactically strong.
"Dhoni knows what field to give to spinners and how to be aggressive when fast bowlers are bowling.
Dhoni is one of India's best captains, winning three ICC trophies for the country. Notably, India has failed to win a single ICC trophy since its success during the 2013 Champions Trophy in England.
Raina on leaving CSK before IPL 2020
When asked why he left the CSK camp in Dubai ahead of IPL 2020, Raina said that he had to return to India due to a death in his family.
Raina on spot-fixing scandal in IPL
Raina also explained that the players had nothing to do with the spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League.
"We had no clue. The anti-corruption team of BCCI is very strict. The player will be go to jail if he or she ever indulges in fixing."
Raina on former coach Greg Chappell
Australian legend Greg Chappell's tenure as a coach of Team India has been regarded as one of the worst phases in Indian cricket.
Raina, who made India debut during Chappell's era, said that the Aussie did give opportunity to youngsters at that time but he should have respected the senior players too.
"The Indian team needs a coach who behaves as a big brother to the national players," Raina added.