Suresh Raina's withdrawal from IPL linked to row over hotel room in UAE

New Delhi : Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina returned to India on August 29, with franchise CEO KS Viswanathan claiming that he will not be available for the upcoming season of the tournament due to personal reasons.

However, a news report has now claimed that Suresh Raina was not happy with the hotel room he was provided in UAE and wanted one like MS Dhoni.

Speaking to Outlook, CSK owner and former BCCI president N Srinivasan likened cricketers to "prima donnas" but said that Dhoni "was in complete control of the situation".

"Cricketers are like prima donnas ... like the temperamental actors of the olden days. Chennai Super Kings have always been like a family and all seniors players have learnt to co-exist," said Srinivasan.

"My thinking is that if you are reluctant or not happy, go back. I don't force anyone to do anything ... sometimes success gets into your head," Srinivasan said.

"I spoke to MS (Dhoni) and he has assured me that even if the numbers go up, there was nothing to worry. He spoke to the players through a zoom call and asked them to remain safe. You really don't know who is a passive carrier," Srinivasan said.

"The season has not begun yet and Raina will certainly realise what he is missing and certainly all the money (a salary of 11 crores per season) he is going to lose," the CSK boss said.