IPL 2021: Suresh Raina lands in Mumbai to join the CSK camp

Veteran batsman Suresh Raina will definitely garner a lot of attention in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) as he gears up to return to the competition for the first time since 2019. The former India batsman had pulled out of IPL 2020 citing personal reasons. Before the start of IPL 2020, Raina had trained with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad in Chennai and had also travelled to UAE with the team.

Before departing to UAE, he had also announced his retirement from international cricket. His decision came just moments after his CSK skipper MS Dhoni also brought down curtains on his illustrious international career. But few days before the start of the competition, Raina sensationally returned home. In his absence, CSK had a tournament to forget as they missed out on the playoffs.

CSK, however, retained their long-serving player for IPL 2021 and would be hoping that he repays the faith in IPL 2021. And Raina is all set to start his preparations for the competition in the coming days. The left-handed batsman has landed in Mumbai to join the CSK squad ahead of IPL 2021. Raina will begin his mandatory quarantine period soon before hitting the CSK nets.

Raina updated his fans about his arrival in Mumbai by posting a couple of pictures on his Instagram stories. The first story featured a video of himself saying goodbye from the airport. A few hours later, he posted a clip of his ride to the hotel.

On The Way On The Way He Is On The Way 🤸🤸😍💛

Airport Pics 🔥🥁🥁#SureshRaina | @ImRaina | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/YQzgDhPhIZ

— RAINA Trends™ (@trendRaina) March 24, 2021

CSK eye strong comeback with Suresh Raina

Not only Suresh Raina but CSK will be desperate to do well this season too. In Raina’s absence, CSK failed to make it to the playoffs for the first time in their history. With 6 wins from 14 games, the three-time IPL winners finished at the seventh spot in the eight-team competition. At one stage, it looked like they would finish at the bottom of the heap. However, three consecutive wins to finish the tournament saw CSK avoid the wooden spoon.

Raina’s return will definitely bolster CSK for IPL 2021. The left-handed batsman has been an integral part of the team since the inaugural season in 2008. He is the leading run-scorer for the franchise and would be looking to put up a good performance in the upcoming season.