An open letter to Suresh Raina from a CSK Fan

Suresh Raina (PC: Twitter)

Dear Chinna Thala,

When IPL returns for the next season, you won't be there, nor you were there in the previous edition, but your absence didn't hurt in the hope that you will be back sometime soon, if not then. So now, when you have finally said goodbye to the place where you were found wearing yellow in April and May, it hurts, badly. 

Growing up in the era when Chennai's name was taken together with Thala and Chinna Thala, I feel nostalgic. Nostalgic for the whistles, the yellow jersey, the fighting spirit, the familyhood, and the Chepauk.

I might be a little selfish and a little more emotional, but all the memory reminds me of when the first wicket for CSK brought you to the crease. No less, neither more but those 87 against Punjab were still the best someone could score. The inside-out strokes or the exquisite drives, everything that day was dismissed to the boundary.

When the situation seemed difficult, the saviour was there, always. However, I couldn't count the number of times because it went too far to keep it in my memory. When the streets in Madras held posters of your name, the No. 3 jersey was enough to repay the faith millions held in their dreams.

Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni (PC: Twitter)

From all the best to the worst, you were there in every chapter of our history that is etched in our hearts forever. But, unfortunately, those 5528 runs would never justify your selfless approach to the game.

The yellow stands at Chepauk will never forget the chase you delivered or the unbelievable catches you took. If it was about commitment, none could deny that you gave it your all.

Dear Chinna Thala, you were not a player, you were an era. An era that needed no remembrance, with generations to come as a template you have set. Thank you MR. IPL.

Thank you for being a hero to many. Happy Retirement.

Yours truly,
A CSK fan.

Also Read: Mark Waugh questions Aaron Finch's place in the ODI team