3 Teams that can pick Suresh Raina if CSK releases him ahead of IPL 2021 auction

Suresh Raina has been often referred to as ‘Mr IPL’ by his fans. His records in the IPL are extraordinary. In addition to that, he also has the title of being the mainstay of the batting unit of a side, which is regarded as the best ever T20 side in the world, by many experts. 

In 193 matches, the 34-year-old has scored 5368 runs at an average of 33.34. His strike rate is 137, which is extremely good for someone with those many innings. His form in the cash-rich league has dropped slightly in the past few years, but his ability to play a match-winning role still persists. The left-handed batsman had decided to pull off of the 2020 season in the UAE due to personal reasons. 

In recent times, there have been speculations that the veteran, who hasn’t played for India since 2018 and retired from international cricket last year in August, could be released right before the IPL 2021 auction by his franchise, Chennai Super Kings.

If the speculations were to be true, there would be a few teams who could add Raina to their ranks. Some teams would actually look to get into a bidding war for the second-highest run-getter in the league’s history.

Here are three teams who would actually be interested in Suresh Raina:

1. Rajasthan Royals

The Jaipur-based franchise had a brilliant start to the IPL, winning the inaugural season by beating Chennai Super Kings in the final, way back in 2008. At the moment, no one would have expected that 13 seasons into the league’s inception, they would be searching for their second title. In the 2020 season, Steve Smith led the side in the UAE and the Royals finished at the bottom of the points table.

Even though they won six out of their 14  matches, their net run rate pulled them down to the eighth position. However, in recent times, there have been talks that Royals likely to release Smith in the upcoming auction. He was handed over the captaincy of the franchise after the 2015 season. Ajinkya Rahane had briefly led the side for one whole season, but he decided to drop himself from the role midway through his second season as the captain. 

If Smith was going to be released by the Royals, the franchise could look for an Indian captain this time. Suresh Raina brings a lot to the table and his experience in the middle order and ability to lead the team could just cut it for the franchise.