Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Suresh Raina has given his thoughts ahead of the IPL 2024, and the former CSK batter has already predicted who will clinch the title this season.
Suresh Raina has been a stalwart at CSK. Over the years, the name Raina has been equally popular with MS Dhoni in the Southern City on the bank of the Bay of Bengal.
Raina won multiple IPL titles with the franchise before retiring from IPL in 2021. The southpaw is also fondly known as ‘Chinna Thala’ (Junior Leader) amongst the CSK fans. But the ex-CSK player has recently opened up on Virat Kohli.
Kohli will be donning the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) jersey for the 17th edition of the tournament. He has been with RCB since IPL’s inception in 2008, and Raina believes the batting stalwart deserves to win the coveted title. RCB have never won the IPL in history and Raina believes the trophy drought may likely end this year.
“Virat deserves a trophy. He has performed so well for the Men in Blue and the Royal Challengers Bangalore over the years. He has enjoyed success at RCB and now it’s time that he puts his hands on the trophy,” Raina told The Times of India.
Raina’s long-time friend MS Dhoni is set to lead CSK again this year. After a stellar IPL-winning season in 2023, the CSK captain will continue to play in the IPL this year as well. But Raina says he has no idea whether the former India captain will wear the CSK jersey beyond this season.
“I have no idea about this. He is fit and is working hard. Dhoni will be seen in a yellow jersey in the upcoming season. He will perform well for CSK,” Raina added.
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will kickstart the IPL 2024 campaign against each other in the first match of this season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.