Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who wasn’t retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction 2022, was expected to be roped in by some other franchise. However, ‘Mr. IPL’ didn’t find a single bid and went unsold. Soon after England opener Jason Roy – who was bought by Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs 2 crore – pulled out of IPL’s 15th edition citing bio-bubble fatigue, it was speculated that the franchise could rope in Raina as Roy’s replacement.
However, sources close to the development refuted the rumours and said the left-handed batsman wasn’t even in consideration for a spot for the Gujarat Titans – which will be led by Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
“No, Suresh Raina is not joining Gujarat Titans. He is not even in consideration for spot,” sources close to the development said.
With 5528 runs under his belt, Raina remains to be IPL’s fourth-highest run-getter after Virat Kohli (6283), Rohit Sharma (5784) and Shikhar Dhawan (5611).
Earlier, Roy took to social media to share why he had decided to pull out of the tournament.
“Hi everyone, especially the Gujarat Titans fans and squad. It’s with a heavy heart I have decided to pull out of this year’s tournament. I want to thank the management and the captain Hardik for putting your faith in me and picking me in the auction. However with everything going on in the world over the last 3 years it’s added up and taken it’s toll on me.I feel it’s only right I spend some time working on myself and my game over the next couple of months leading into a very busy year. I will be following each game of the Titans and backing them to lift the trophy in their first year of the tournament,” Roy said in a statement.
