Seven minutes. That’s all it takes to be a feel a little wooed by Chennai Super Kings’ star batsman, Suresh Raina. At the newly launched Adidas showroom in Phoenix Market City on Friday – there’s a frenzy of media, camera flashes and fans. Behind the grand Adidas backdrop (where there is a tense silence) – a single swivel chair lies waiting for the guest of honour. This is the private Q and A space. Deep breath. Fresh off signing autographs on mini cricket bats for winners of a recent contest – here he comes. ‘You sit, I’ll stand’ seems the natural order of things. But he disagrees, no hesitation. And after some trying (to make the VIP sit) – we both stand.
Is it any wonder that every cricket-crazy young girl in the city, wants a piece of Raina? Now we know why. Hey, his limited edition yellow Porsche doesn’t hurt either.
City Express does a quick one-one-one with CSK’s very hot Vice Captain:
Everyone’s talking about your new Porsche...
Yes it was very special. I bought it on my dad’s birthday.
Really? Does he get to drive it too?
No (laughs) Nobody touches my car except me! In Chennai I’ve been driving around with Jaddu (Jadeja) and some of the other players.
Did you choose the colour yellow or was that a coincidence?
It’s a positive colour, and thinking positive wherever I am is my mantra.
What’s your favourite part of Chennai to drive in?
Definitely ECR, although I’m not one for too much speed. When I’m driving, I always play it safe. Usually, I make it a point to drive at night when there isn’t much traffic.
There was some talk doing the rounds on Facebook about an ambulance at Alwarpet that was made to wait by your police escorts – so that your car could get ahead?
I didn’t know about this. If I had, I would definitely have asked for the ambulance to have been given priority.
You’ve been coming down to Chennai regularly for six years now. Do you have a favourite spot yet?
Actually, it’s a place I discovered recently and I go there because they have great food – the Flying Elephant at the Park Hyatt.
Any dreams of being Captain one day?
Right now, I’m just focusing on my game.