IPL 2021: Revealed - Why Suresh Raina Isn't Included In CSK Playing XI Against DC

Veteran Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Suresh Raina has been not included in the playing XI in the 50th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Suresh Raina who is regarded as one of the most successful batsmen in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) started his IPL 2021 campaign by scoring a fifty. However, other than that he has failed to deliver a good performance for Chennai with the bat. Adding to it, in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, he has scored 4, 17*, 11, 2 and 3 in five matches.

After losing the toss and getting an invite to bat first MS Dhoni told that they were happy with the decision as they wanted to bat first.

“We were looking to bat first, but we were not 100% sure, the wicket seems to be tacky. 

Robin Uthappa Replaces Suresh Raina, Who Has A Back Issue – CSK Captain MS Dhoni

Further, MSD revealed that they have made three changes, As Dwayne Bravo and Deepak Chahar were bought back in the playing XI and Suresh Raina was dropped as he was having some back issue and Robin Uthappa came in as his replacement. MS Dhoni said:

“We have got a few changes – Sam is out, Bravo is back, Chahar replaces Asif and Robin Uthappa replaces Suresh Raina, who has a back issue.”

” We are trying to rest players who have some niggles, top-two is important, if you have a bad day in the qualifiers, you have another chance to make a comeback“

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) also made one change in the playing XI as Steve Smith was dropped from the side and Ripal Patel was handed over his debut cap.

“We will bowl first. The wicket might do a bit early, so better bowling first. We just need to focus on the basics, continue doing what we have been doing, want to finish in the top two. Ripal Patel is making his debut, Smith goes out. He’s a lower middle-order batsman who can bowl a few overs. Always great learning from him (MS Dhoni), but right now he’s a rival, so focus is on the game.” – Rishabh Pant

Delhi Capitals Playing XI: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ripal Patel, Axar Patel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje

Chennai Super Kings Playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Robin Uthappa, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood

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