IPL 2018: Suresh Raina to become MS Dhoni's deputy in Chennai Super Kings squad

Chennai: Team India discard Suresh Raina has been named as the vice-captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). Raina earlier captained now dysfunctional Gujarat Lions for the past two seasons as CSK was banned from the cash-rich league due to spot-fixing.

The yellow brigade, who are making a comeback after two-year hiatus retained MS Dhoni as their captain with whom they have won two trophies and reached four finals.

Apart from Dhoni and Raina, CSK also retained Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

"MS Dhoni is going to be the captain, I'm going to be the vice-captain, Jadeja is also going to be there. Then there are certain players in the auction. We all will be having a meeting soon and then decide what planning we will be having for the auction," Raina told India Today.

The IPL 2018 auction will be taking place on January 27-28 and with team sheet already in hands of both Dhoni and Raina, the franchises will be bidding aggressively to make some quality signings in the auction.

"I have already got the sheet, I'll have a go through it, MS will also go through it. It's important to have few important quality Indian players," Raina added.

The 31-year-old who has been plying his trade in the domestic circuit is confident that after auction CSK will have the best team.

"This year you will have the best team in CSK, I have a feeling. Because two years I have played for Gujarat, he (Dhoni) played in Pune and played a lot of matches for India also and then I've been playing a lot of domestic games...I've seen a lot of talent," Raina continued.

CSK who will begin a new journey played the “core” card to retain Dhoni, Raina and Jadeja during the retention policy.

While the retention of these players sent CSK fans into a frenzy, CSK social media channels went on to post the videos of how the trio signed the contract as the fans clearly welcomed the three players with open arms.

“CSK is very special and I think we have done pretty well in Yellow. The crowds and fans have been fantastic in Chennai and have always given me and the team unconditional love and support. Chennai, I always say, is my second home,” said Dhoni.

Raina, meanwhile, said that he missed the Chepauk crowd over the last two years.

“Vanakkam Chennai! Good to be back to CSK after two years. And, looking forward to playing in front of my beautiful crowd and knowledgeable crowd, what I’ve missed the last two years. See you out there, in Chepauk Stadium," said Raina.

Happy with his CSK reunion, Jadeja said,"Hi guys, I’m really excited and very happy to be a part of the CSK team again. So, hopefully, guys, you enjoy our action and we will try and win as many games as (possible) for CSK. Whistle Podu!"

CSK have won the IPL title twice in 2010 and 2011.