Things have already changed between me and Dhoni post CSK exit, says Suresh Raina

Recalling his days at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), current Gujarat Lions skipper Suresh Raina was forthright while talking about his days in Chennai.

“We were superstars in Chennai. It was almost like a different cult, a different religion and we were treated like gods,” Raina said while talking to Times of India.

Suresh Raina has proved himself as the most successful batsman in IPL over the last eight editions. However, with CSK being suspended for two years due to their involvement in betting, Raina will be donning the jersey of Gujarat Lions. Now, as CSK players are going to be pitted against CSK players when Rajkot and Pune clash, Raina relishes the chance of it turning into an extravaganza.

“Trust me it's going to be a great contest. We've all been through tough situations; won handsomely, felt very disappointed after losses and built a great connect. We all understand each other well – strengths, weaknesses etc. So, it's going to be interesting and emotional,” Raina explained.

But the batting maestro also said it was not easy for guys like him to play for another franchise after playing for CSK for eight years.

“It’s like leaving one family and going to another. No matter how much love you get in this new family, how can you let go of all the love you received over the last eight years from the Chennai family. The city had become a second home to all of us. Ek ghar mein aath saal rahe ho, ab bola, jaa kiss doosre ghar mein do saal raho. It's not easy.

“But as professional cricketers and we can’t do much about it. It's not just about how passionate the players have been about CSK. There's also the loyalty factor. We had that kind of a feeling wearing the CSK jersey. It makes us feel bad. It's not like players wouldn't like to play for say Gujarat or Mumbai but I wish there was a choice and we could decide,” Raina said.

On his changed relationship with Dhoni

Asked about his thoughts on playing against Dhoni, Raina explained how things changed between him and Dhoni after the shuffling of the teams.

“We have already started being diplomatic with each other while discussing IPL. I've been looking at ways to ask him about his team's preparations, he's been doing the same. At dinner tables, at the nets, during practice, both of us are asking each other a lot of things but not revealing anything to each other (laughs),” he said.

The tournament is yet to begin but Gujarat Lions are already being touted as the favourites, owing to their team strength on paper.

“I guess it's the Chennai Super Kings effect (smiles). There are so many from the CSK here. Yes, the team looks very good, it's a great mix. All of us are just about beginning to get together. McCullum, Faulkner, Bravo, Finch, Smith add to the batting might. In fact, in Faulkner, we have such a good all-rounder. There's Ravindra Jadeja who is around too,” Raina finished.