It was a shocking and disheartening sight to see a legend of the IPL in Suresh Raina go unsold on the opening day of the IPL 2022 mega-auction on Saturday. Even the Super Kings didn’t raise their paddle for Raina at the auction table.
Suresh Raina has been the torchbearer of CSK’s batting for a decade, however, his runs had nosedived in the past few years. As shocking as it is, franchises not looking to buy Raina was a result of a combination of a number of factors.
Raina had scored over 350 runs each season from 2008 to 2019 and was a bank for CSK in the batting department. However, he pulled out of the IPL 2020 on personal grounds and then flopped in the IPL 2021. Last season the left-hander managed 160 runs in 12 matches at 17 while striking at 125, before he was injured and was replaced by Robin Uthappa.
Apart from his poor numbers last season, Raina, who retired from international cricket in 2020, hasn’t played domestic cricket since the last IPL. This lack of match practice was a big drawback for him last season, and surprisingly he hasn’t worked on it too this year by not playing any domestic cricket.
Also, Raina who was once a useful part-time spinner for MS Dhoni didn’t bowl a single ball last season.
One of his highlight characteristics was his lively fielding, whether in the circle or in the outfield. However, injuries and age have slowed him down, his lack of fitness was another major issue forcing the franchises to turn their backs on him.
It was sad to see an IPL stalwart in Raina go unsold at the IPL 2022 mega-auction with the left-hander still having a few years left – although not in his prime anymore. The 35-year-old Raina, though, could be snapped up by any franchise when he returns in the auction later on.
Changing times. One of the greats of the IPL, Suresh Raina goes unsold.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 12, 2022
MR. IPL SURESH RAINA IS UNSOLD.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 12, 2022
Sad not to see a single bid for Mr IPL @ImRaina in the first round.. @IPL #AuctionDay #IPLMegaAuction2022
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 12, 2022
Thala strikes again for Raina this time ??? pic.twitter.com/mJpIENuNGf
— Rahul (@Ittzz_Rahul) February 12, 2022
If Someone ask you who is Suresh Raina Just show them this Picture ?#SureshRaina • @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/53ovzG1kOZ
— Suresh Raina FC
(@CultRaina) February 12, 2022
(@CultRaina) Three former captains Unsold right now. Raina, Smith and Miller. #IPLMegaAuction2022
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 12, 2022
Can’t believe this shit Suresh Raina unsold ???? #SureshRaina ?
— Aly Goni (@AlyGoni) February 12, 2022
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