Cricket News: Suresh Raina retires - Will ex-players of IPL retire from all formats to play overseas leagues?
Suresh Raina, the IPL giant who offered a blueprint on T20 batting to the traditional batters, is now all set to conquer the leagues worldwide. Any IPL franchise in mega auctions has not picked the batter held earlier this year and will look to trade in the different T20 leagues
Suresh Raina retiresThe 35-year-old, following in MS Dhoni's footsteps, retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. However, he continued his journey for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL in 2021. Having to leave 2021 in-between due to personal reasons, the player failed to find any spot in CSK or another team in subsequent editions.
On Tuesday, he wrote on Twitter, "It has been an absolute honor to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of cricket."
Retiring from IPL and Indian domestic cricket, he is looking forward to other leagues. He was seen tweaking with his bat earlier this month. Though he is a lodestar of T20 and modern-day cricket, will he be picked by any franchise of the Hundred, CPL, BBL, or UAE will be a thing to see as there are plenty of fresh faces waiting for an opportunity as well?
If he gets picked, he will likely pave the way and inspire other ex-IPL players to take this route in their career and add a few more years to their cricketing journey.
Legacy of Suresh Raina for Chennai Super Kings
Suresh Raina had played an integral role in Chennai Super Kings' success journey over the years. Playing for the franchise from 2008 to 2021, he amassed 4687 runs in 176 matches to be the highest run-scorer for the franchise.
Known as Chinna Thala (the mini leader), apart from being the leading run-getter, he has the most 50-plus for CSK (34), most runs in IPL knockouts (714), most catches in IPL (109), and most runs in IPL finals (249). He's leaving a legacy behind for Chennai Super Kings, for which finding even a close substitute will be a challenge.
"The streets of Anbuden will never forget what Chinna Thala meant to each and every one of us! Thank You, Mr. IPL!" Chennai Super Kings said in a tweet.
Amit Mishra appreciated his contribution, "Every Cricket and IPL fan will remember you for your timely knocks which you played for the country and CSK. You were a great asset to the team. Wish you a great retirement life ahead. Thank you for giving us many moments to say "Raina, Hai Na". Cheers!"
Hopefully, the young cricket generation will see him leaving his mark in Cricket South Africa's new T20 league, which has a team owned by CSK as a franchise.
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