IPL 2020: Suresh Raina Unlikely To Play For Chennai Super Kings Again: Report

The saga regarding Suresh Raina’s shocking return to India is refusing to die down.  The left-handed batsman dropped a bombshell last week when he decided against playing in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. The franchise confirmed the news and stated that their vice-captain cited personal reasons for his decision.

Suresh Raina is yet to disclose the reason behind his departure but it has not stopped others to speculate from the same. Only time will tell what was the real reason behind his decision but things are looking complicated as of now. And if reports are to be believed then Suresh Raina’s incredible journey with Super Kings might have come to an end.

An IPL source has stated that Suresh Raina could well be gone for good now not only this season but also the next IPL scheduled in April, 2021. The southpaw, who is Super Kings’ most-decorated batsman, might now don the famous yellow jersey again.

“He is unavailable this season and that is clear from the official statement issued by the CSK. Now there are certain things that have not gone down too well with the top people,” the source was quoted as saying by PTI.

“It looks highly improbable that someone who has retired and likely won’t play any cricket will come back for CSK. Maybe, he will be back in auction and someone else might pick him,” he added.

He further stated that the franchise is now pinning its hopes on young Ruturaj Gaikwad to replace Suresh Raina in the middle order. The youngster is currently in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 along with teammate Deepak Chahar.

“CSK has not yet asked for an official replacement for Raina…they are undecided,” the IPL source said.

“I don’t know about the apology part (from Raina) but CSK will now be eyeing to prepare Ruturaj looking at the future and Dhoni and Fleming will rejig their strategy accordingly,” the source added.

Suresh Raina is Super Kings all-time highest run-getter with 4527 runs from 164 IPL games. The Uttar Pradesh left-hander is also the second-highest scorer in IPL history with 5368 runs, second only to Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s 5412 runs.

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