In a pathbreaking move, Chennai Super Kings have retained senior batsman Suresh Raina for IPL 2021. Meanwhile, the relationship between both parties hit rock-bottom after Raina pulled out of the IPL bio-bubble in the UAE before the start of the tournament.
A lot has been reported over the last few months ever since Suresh Raina travelled back to India without playing a single game which landed the franchise in severe problems. Many reports suggested that Chennai Super Kings have terminated their contracts with Raina and that the southpaw will not play for their side anymore.
Chennai Super Kings retain Suresh Raina
However, a Chennai official has confirmed to Indian Express that they will retain Suresh Raina while MS Dhoni will continue to lead. The 39-year-old wicket-keeper batsman himself confirmed that he will come back for IPL 2021 in India.
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“Yes, we will retain Raina and Dhoni will be the captain. Apart from Harbhajan Singh, we might release a few more players,” the CSK official told The Indian Express.
Meanwhile, Suresh Raina’s return will certainly boost the confidence of the franchise who struggled with their batting severely. Raina has been one of the highest run-scorers in the history of IPL and Chennai’s highest run-getter with 4,527 runs from 164 matches.
Although the cricketer has announced his retirement from all formats of the game, he still remains a vital cog in the wheel for Chennai. Suresh Raina was recently in action during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he represented Uttar Pradesh. He played a few decent knocks and will look to repay back the trust shown by the management.
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While they retain Raina, another veteran cricketer Harbhajan Singh has parted ways with Chennai Super Kings after his contract came to an end. Reports suggest Chennai have also released Kedar Jadhav and Murali Vijay, who looked completely out of socks in the last edition of the cash-rich league. They have also released fast bowler Monu Kumar, who mostly warmed the benches during his stay with the franchise.
The MS Dhoni-led franchise will also have to look for a replacement for Shane Watson, who announced his retirement from all formats of the game after the last IPL.
However, Chennai Super Kings have retained senior all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who missed the last part of IPL 2020 owing to injury.
