'MS Dhoni took permission...': Suresh Raina reveals how veteran player made it to CSK starting XI in Final

Former Chennai Super Kings batter and legend Suresh Raina has revealed how MS Dhoni had a chat with him regarding the inclusion of a player in the CSK lineup.

Suresh Raina, who hung his gloves after IPL 2021, recently gave daylight to a surprising omission from the IPL 2021 latter stages.

Raina was dropped from the starting team in the IPL 2021 against and Robin Uthappa was brought in. Uthappa, who was a new signing, was given the nod ahead of Raina in a crucial match against Delhi Capitals.

Dhoni back then had informed Raina was injured but the southpaw never came back to the side in that season. The remaining matches were played by Uthappa who went on to play a crucial knock in the IPL 2021 final.

And in a recent chat, Raina revealed it was a tactical move and MS Dhoni had already discussed the matter with him and took permission.

"When MS Dhoni and I talked, I suggested him that 'you should try Robin Uthappa'. He (Dhoni) took permission from me to play you and I said him that 'he is the guy to give you the final, trust me'," Raina told Uthappa on JioCinema.

Although Raina was a mainstay at the CSK team till then, but he insisted Dhoni to include Uthappa in the lineup as the latter deserved it.

"MS Dhoni said that 'see we have played since 2008 but I want to win this season. Now, you tell me what to do'. I said 'play Robin at number 3 and make sure he is in the playing XI till final. If you win, CSK will win. Whether I play or him, Robin and Raina are same'," the former CSK player added.

It proved to be the right decision in the end as CSK lifted their 4th IPL title by beating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final by 27 runs.