Raina, Dhoni, Jadeja, CSK, Rhiti: What's the connection?

Suresh Raina is back in the Test squad… but that’s not the only return he has made in recent times. Raina has also rejoined Rhiti Sports Management Company — the celebrity management firm who also have MS Dhoni on their roster. A report in the Mumbai Mirror says that after a brief move to another firm called ‘Game 3 Sports’, the all-rounder is now back to being in Dhoni’s team — on the field and off it. [caption id=“attachment_669597” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Raina has been included for the fourth Test against Australia. AFP[/caption] Raina was initially part of Rhiti’s roster, but shifted to Game 3 Sports — which is run by a childhood friend. Raina has confirmed the development and so has Rhiti’s head Arun Pandey. He was quoted in the report as saying: “Suresh is back with us. He had gone away for a brief period for a specific campaign and we’re happy to have him back.” The 26-year-old endorses brands like Adidas and Pepsi. While Raina’s return to the Test squad was unlikely, it seems the Rhiti deal was lucky for him. The BCCI included the left-hander in the squad for the fourth and final Test in the ongoing series against Australia. Ravindra Jadeja is also on the list of sports stars that Rhiti manages — and has already made his first forays into Test cricket. Both Raina and Jadeja are also part of Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and are usually the first names on the team-sheet when it comes to ODIs and Twenty20 internationals. One might argue whether players being picked for Indian cricket and them being on Rhiti’s roster can be passed off as coincidence or just good judgement  — but the question does hover about conflict of interest and protecting future business interests, when coincidences pile up too often. Click here to read the full Mumbai Mirror report.