Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who is fondly called Chinna Thala by Chennai Super Kings fans, will not feature in the upcoming 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League. Raina was released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2022 mega-auction as the franchise decided to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni.
The Left-hander has played for Chennai over the years and has become an integral part of the squad. Known as Mr.IPL, Raina has been one of the greatest players in the tournament, therefore, the news of him not playing in the upcoming season took everyone by surprise.
However, seems like the cricketer has already made his return to the field. Well, on Saturday, former Indian cricketers Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, and Amit Mishra attended a cricket match, which was organized by the Delhi Police at New Police Lines Ground.
On Saturday, the police department’s understanding of field positions was quite visible. The Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana told the police officials present at the event, he said: “Fitness is crucial for police. A person has to be fit to be a good officer.”
The commissioner also joined his team and played a symbolic match with Raina, Sehwag, and Mishra. In fact, the CP came in full cricket gear and even smashed four runs as Raina bowled. Talking about the same, he said: “I was in-charge of security during their matches. Maine socha nahin tha ki ye kabhi hamare yahan padharenge.”
Additional CP, Madhur Verma, who was the vice-captain, was declared best batter. He said: “I’ve played in Delhi after a long time, but obviously I’m not out of practice! I’ve been practicing.”
Later, after the match, recalling his initial cricket days, Sehwag said: “Main Delhi Police se 15-16 saal see juda hua hoon. Delhi Police se ek (officer) thay, woh mujhe khilane pata nahin kahan kahan le jate thay. Toh mera Delhi Police se purana nata hai”
Raina also talked about the game, he said: “It really felt great to attend this match today. When I was on the field it felt like some actual tournament is happening and not just a symbolic match because of the energy and how everyone was enjoying.”
