IPL 2021: MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina retained by CSK ahead of IPL 2021.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021: Suresh Raina’s unexpected departure from UAE left the franchise shocked and it was expected that the franchise is unlikely to retain the left-handed batsman. But the recent confirmation from CSK management reveals that MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina are retained by the franchise for the IPL 2021.
Earlier in 2020 IPL, Suresh Raina left the CSK bio-bubble after a few covid-19 cases were recognised inside the squad. Raina pulled off from the IPL and returned home. In the meantime, spinner Harbhajan Singh also pulled back his name which and left everyone shocked.
After the two shocking events, the CSK management removed the name of both senior players from their website and it was learned that the management will part ways with both the players in the IPL.
MS Dhoni will be the captain: CSK official
“Yes we will retain Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni will be the leader of the side,” CSK official to The Indian Express.
The full list of retained players and released players will be announced later.
“As far as Suresh Raina is concerned, he is a great player who has done so much for CSK. We have a lot of respect for him. [We have] a lot of regard and affection for all that he has done. CSK will always stand by him,” Srinivasan told this paper last year.
Suresh Raina is the most successful batsman for CSK over the years. His fans often refer him by the name “Mr IPL”. He is in the list of highest run-getters and has played a key role in CSK’s phenomenal success since IPL’s inception.
Raina has amassed 4527 runs in the 164 matches for Chennai Super Kings. The southpaw announced his retirement soon after MS Dhoni announced his from the international cricket. While the cricketer still feels that he can still be an important cog in their wheel. It must be noted that in the absence of Suresh Raina, CSK failed to qualify for playoffs for the first time in IPL history.
Harbhajan Singh released by CSK:
CSK official also announced that Harbhajan Singh is released from the squad. The off-spinner announced the news through his Twitter handle.
He wrote: “As my contract comes to an end with @ChennaiIPL, playing for this team was a great experience..beautiful memories made &some great friends which I will remember fondly for years to come..Thank you @ChennaiIPL, management, staff and fans for a wonderful 2years.. All the best…”.
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