The superstar of the Indian T20 League and the former Indian batsman, Suresh Raina has confirmed his participation in Indian T20 League 2021. The left-hand batsman missed the UAE edition of the mega event this year due to personal reasons.
Speaking to a Hindi newspaper, Raina gave a clear confirmation and announced that he will lead Uttar Pradesh in the domestic tournament to start his preparation for the next edition of the Indian T20 League. BCCI is planning to start its domestic season with Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Raina had retired from international cricket in August this year. He even started the training for the Indian T20 League but on a sudden note, he decided to miss the season. In the absense of Raina, Chennai had a dull season this year as they missed out on the playoffs for the first time in the history of the tournament. The franchise had removed his name from the official website but they haven’t started any confirmation regarding the season 2021.
Raina hasn’t played a competitive match since the final of IPL 2019 when Chennai lost to Mumbai by 1 run. Raina is the second top-scorer in the history of the Indian T20 League, only behind Virat Kohli. The left-hander has aggregated 5368 runs in 193 matches, at an average of 33.34, including a hundred and 38 half-centuries. Shane Watson has earlier announced the retirement from all forms of cricket and Chennai needs a rebuilding process for the upcoming edition of the tournament. Raina’s availability will boost Chennai’s side to find the glory back.
