Suresh Raina scored a 36-ball 54 on his Chennai Super Kings comeback in IPL 2021. However, the knock was not enough to see his team home as the side made a losing start to the season. Nevertheless, it was a dream comeback for the former Indian cricketer who once again patched up with MS Dhoni. Raina and Harbhajan Singh decided to opt out of IPL 2020 over COVID-19 concerns. While Raina was retained by the franchise, KKR snapped up the off-spinner in the IPL 2021 auction. 

Suresh Raina played just five first-class games between IPL 2019 and IPL 2021. However, that did not stop him from getting down to his work right away. The southpaw hit his 39th IPL fifty as he equalled Virat Kohli on the list of most fifties in the IPL. He reached the landmark with a six off Marcus Stoinis. Raina top-scored for CSK, scoring 54 off 36 balls with the help of 3 fours and 4 sixes.

Also Read: CSK Set To Miss Key Bowlers In First Two Games, Confirms Coach Stephen Fleming

Good To Be Back In Yellow: Suresh Raina

“It feels amazing to be back with MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings. It is always good to contribute to a side that has done so much for the players, who have done so much for every person. It is always good to be back and wear this yellow colour, it’s a pride that I have cherished all my life,” Raina said in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of CSK.

CSK take on KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings on Friday (April 16). Lungi Ngidi wasn’t available for the match against the Capitals and now as Stephen Fleming said he won’t be for their second match either, because of the 7-day quarantine upon arriving in India from South Africa. 

Beherendorff was signed as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood who pulled out of IPL 2021 due to bio-bubble fatigue. Hazlewood’s absence was felt by the franchise who did not have any overseas pacer playing in their first game.

Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar Praises Suresh Raina On Resounding Comeback For CSK