New Delhi, September 2: Suresh Raina is like a "son" to him but Chennai Super Kings owner N Srinivasan on Wednesday said the all-rounder's return to the side this IPL season after an unanticipated pullout would be decided by the team management led by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Raina had last week left the CSK camp in Dubai amid 13 COVID-19 cases, including national team seamer Deepak Chahar, but there was some controversy regarding an alleged breach of bio bubble, something the player has categorically denied. Also Read | Cristiano Ronaldo Sweats it Out With Bruno Fernandes & Other Members of Portugal Team Ahead of Their UEFA Nations League 2020 Game Against Croatia (Watch Video).

The former BCCI president was initially furious with Raina's departure but softened his stance later. The player also seemed to have spoken to Srinivasan and called him a father figure besides indicating that he might come back.

"I have treated him like one (son). The reason for CSK's success in IPL over the years is because of the fact that franchise never poked its nose into cricketing matters. India Cements is running cricket since '60s. I will always remain like that," Srinivasan told PTI. Also Read | TKR vs SKN Dream11 Team Prediction in CPL 2020: Tips to Pick Best Team for Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Caribbean Premier League Match.

So, is he expecting Raina to be back in the UAE and play in the IPL? "Look, please understand, that that's not my domain (whether Raina will come back or not) at all," the former ICC and BCCI chief said.

"We own a team, we own the franchise but we do not own players. Team is ours but players are not. I don't own the players," he added. For Srinivasan, the decision on Raina will lay with the team management, which means skipper Dhoni and CEO KS Viswanathan.

"I am not the cricket captain. I have never told them (team management) whom to play, whom to take in the auction, never. We have the greatest captain of all times. So, why shall I even interfere in cricketing matters?" Srinivasan said.

CSK have been three-time champpions in the high-profile league, shifted to UAE this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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