Dubai-IPL Giant CSK’s star batsman Suresh Raina has returned to India from Dubai due to personal reasons. He will reportedly be unavailable for the IPL 2020.
With 4,527 runs in 164 matches, Raina is the highest run-scorer for CSK. In the 2010 IPL final, Raina’s 57 runs drove CSK to its first-ever title, and he was rightfully adjudged the Man of the Match for his magnificent half-century. He was a key player in CSK’s three successful campaigns (2010, 2011, and 2018).
Raina (5,368) is also the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL, behind Virat Kohli (5,412). Raina has also taken the most catches (102 catches) in the history of the tournament.
On August 15, Raina had announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. He is the first Indian batsman to score the century in all three formats–Test, ODI, and T20.
CSK’s CEO KS Viswanathan tweeted, “Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time.”
CSK is yet to announce a replacement for Raina.
The news is a heavy blow for the franchise after at least 10 CSK members tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday.
Earlier this month, Raina told Cricbuzz, “We [CSK] have a chance of doing something extraordinary.” However, CSK’s 2020 championship’s ship seems to be sinking before even getting into the sea.
Aashish Sunar, Sub Editor and Writer for Kathmandu Pati English, covers issues on politics, marginalized community, international relations, economics, and sports. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree in International Studies and Economics at Soka University of America. He tweets @imAashishSunar.
