Chennai Super Kings batsman Suresh Raina returned to India last week citing personal reasons, and announced that he would not be taking part in the Indian Premier League this year. His exit may have put his stint with CSK in jeopardy and the team may part ways with him ahead of IPL 2021, news agency PTI reported.

The CSK camp based in Dubai reported 13 COVID-19 cases, including two main squad members Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, a development which an IPL source said, played a role in the recently-retired India player’s exit from the event starting September 19.

CSK owner N Srinivasan on Sunday told Outlook that Raina was not happy with the hotel room he was provided in Dubai, as he felt claustrophobic with strict protocols of bio-bubble implemented due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The veteran all-rounder batsman wanted a hotel room with ‘proper balconies’ as that of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Raina’s issue had become a flashpoint during the quarantine period of CSK players in the UAE and his fears only grew after two of his teammates tested positive for coronavirus, the report stated.

“In CSK, the norm is that the coach, captain and the manager get suites. However, Raina also gets a suite in any hotel that the franchise stays. It’s just that his room didn’t have a balcony,” an IPL source told PTI.

“It was an issue but I don’t think big enough to warrant a comeback (to India). There could be something more than just the scare of rising COVID-caseload in Chennai,” the source added, alluding to a speculated breach of the bio-bubble by Raina.

Is there a possibility of Raina coming back this season, thereby changing the circumstances? “He is unavailable this season and that is clear from the official statement issued by the CSK. Now there are certain things that have not gone down too well with the top people,” the source said.

“It looks highly improbable that someone who has retired and likely won’t play any cricket will come back for CSK. Maybe, he will be back in auction and someone else might pick him.” CSK is punting heavily on young Ruturaj, expecting that he will come good once he completes the quarantine and rejoins the training session after two negative tests.

“CSK has not yet asked for an official replacement for Raina…they are undecided,” the IPL source added.

Raina is CSK’s highest run-getter with 4527 runs from 164 IPL games. The Uttar Pradesh left-hander is also the second highest scorer in IPL history with 5368 runs, second only to Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s 5412 runs.