'Dhoni Bhai Quietly Was Eating His...': Suresh Raina Recalls First Meeting With CSK Legend

MS Dhoni announced retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. On the very same day, Suresh Raina too decided to hang his boots.

Suresh Raina revealed he had first met MS Dhoni in 2004 during the East Zone vs Central Zone match.

Former India cricketers Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni share a great bond on and off the field. Back in their playing days, the duo were 'X-factor' of India's middle-order in white-ball cricket. Raina was part of MS Dhoni-led World Cup winning team in 2011 ODI World Cup and played under MS Dhoni 'the captain' for most of his international and IPL career. Even years after retirement, Raina and Dhoni continue to share a close bond and friendship.

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Meanwhile, Suresh Raina recalled his first-ever meeting with the legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicket-keeper. Raina revealed he had first met Dhoni in 2004 during the East Zone vs Central Zone match.

"We were hearing a lot about a player with long hair from Jharkhand known for hitting it out of the park consistently. This one day, we all were hanging around while Dhoni bhai quietly was eating his roti and butter chicken in a corner. Gyanu bhai saw him and said, ‘I really don’t think he’s going to do us any damage. He’s enjoying his food; let him do that’," said Raina on Jio Cinema.

"From the word go, he hit gagan chumbhi (touching the sky) sixes, and Gyanu bhai had to eat his words," he added.

Two-time World Cup winning skipper MS Dhoni announced retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020. On the very same day, Suresh Raina too decided to hang his boots. India vs New Zealand 2019 ODI World Cup match in England was Dhoni's last match in international cricket, while Raina last wore the Indian jersey in 2018.

MS Dhoni will return to action on March 31 in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The tournament opener will be played between CSK and GT.