Suresh Raina to Return For IPL 2021 And Syed Mushtaq Ali
Former India batsman Suresh Raina has confirmed his participation in IPL 2021. He will also take part in 2020/21 domestic season, where he will be leading Uttar Pradesh in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Former Indian swashbuckling batsman Suresh Raina, after two years, is all set to make a comeback to competitive cricket as he will be seen representing Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2020/21.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India is yet to announce the schedule for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season 2020/21 but it is confirmed that the board will organise the T20 tournament before the IPL 2021 auction.
While speaking to Dainik Jagran, Suresh Raina confirmed that he will be leading Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming tournament. At the same time, he also confirmed his participation in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. A regular for UP in white-ball fixtures, Raina had led the state team to a title victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2015/16.
20-Month Break From The Game
Suresh Raina has not played any competitive cricket in the last 20 months. He was last seen playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2019. He was all set to play in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, he even travelled to the UAE along with the CSK squad but he returned India after 13 contingent members in the CSK camp tested positive for Covid-19.
Post that it was believed that Raina’s 13-year old relation with CSK management had turned sour after his sudden exit. The Yellow Army had also removed the name of the batsman from their official website along with cancelling his contract mid-season. The same procedure was followed with veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh too, who had pulled out his name from the league citing personal reasons.
It is being speculated that the BCCI will announce the domestic season and IPL 2021 after its AGM on December 24. The board hopes to kick off the season next month. Should it only host white-ball matches, the season might get over in February. But if the BCCI hosts Ranji Trophy as well, the season might extend till March.
