Former India batter Suresh Raina won’t be participating in the imminent 16th season of the Indian Premier League. Raina, whose last IPL participation was registered in the second phase of IPL 2021 in the UAE, hadn’t taken part in the 15th season of the IPL either.
Advertisement
In fact, Raina had made his commentary debut for Star Sports Network in IPL 2022 after remaining unsold in the auction. Veteran India spinner Piyush Chawla and pacer Dhawal Kulkarni were also among debutant IPL commentators last year. Chawla, however, has made it to Mumbai Indians’ squad this season.
As far as Raina is concerned, the left-handed batter has been spotted plying his trade in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, Legends League Cricket and Legends Cricket Trophy in the last year or so.
Having retired from international cricket over 30 months ago, Raina is now eligible to play in all these tournaments. Raina, who was quite vocal in requesting BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to permit non-contracted players to play in overseas T20 leagues, deserves to enjoy his post-retirement life by playing such tournaments with other ex-cricketers.
Is Suresh Raina retired from the IPL?
In addition to his retirement from the highest level, Raina had separately announced his retirement from all formats of cricket including the IPL over six months ago. It is due to the same reason why Raina qualifies to play in the aforementioned leagues without any objection from the BCCI. Now when he has done the same, he can’t return to the IPL much like former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.
Fifth-highest run-scorer in the IPL, Raina’s decorated IPL career started and ended with Chennai Super Kings. An absolute legend of the biggest T20 tournament around the globe, Raina continues to receive immense respect from CSK’s humongous fan-following till date.
Devoted fans of Raina, however, will be able to hear him as a commentator throughout the course of IPL 2023. Readers must note that the 36-year old will be calling the matches in Hindi for Jio Cinema.
![Most Expensive Player In IPL 2024 Auction [FULL LIST]](https://cdn-wp.thesportsrush.com/2023/12/ae43af1b-pat-cummins-world-cup.jpg?format=auto&w=384&q=75)
