Suresh Raina Opens Up on IPL 2020 Withdrawal: Family Tragedy and Bio-Bubble Concerns
Chennai Super Kings legend Suresh Raina has shed light on the reasons behind his controversial withdrawal from the IPL 2020 season in the UAE. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Raina had initially traveled to the country with the rest of the players but pulled out before the start of the season, citing personal reasons and concerns about the bio-bubble arrangements.
Addressing the rumors surrounding his decision, Raina revealed that he left the bio-bubble to be with his family after a tragic incident in Punjab. “There was bereavement in the family, I went to Punjab. In my uncle’s family, there were deaths. The kaccha gang…who come with oil on their body. A group of gangsters killed the entire family, my grandmother was also there. It happened in Pathankot. So I went there,” Raina said.
Raina emphasized that the situation back home was chaotic, and the ongoing pandemic made it even more difficult. “Yes, I told this to MS Dhoni and the team management. Family comes first. Then I returned, we played the 2021 season. We won the trophy. But the previous year, the family was in chaos. They were all in depression already due to COVID-19 and then this happened. I thought I should go home and be with my family,” he added.
Raina’s decision to prioritize his family over cricket sparked speculation and criticism at the time. However, he maintains that it was the right choice for him. “Cricket came next, I could play anytime, first, my family was important,” he said.
After missing the 2020 season, Raina returned to CSK the next year and helped them win the title. It turned out to be his last season as later that year, he decided to announce his retirement from all formats of the game.
