‘Some foreigners play IPL till 40, he’s 35’ – Irfan Pathan baffled as Suresh Raina goes unsold at IPL 2022 mega auction

Cricket fans and experts were occupied in the last couple of days amid the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction. Several players went massive under the hammer and walked away with hefty deals. At the same time, some prominent names didn’t fetch a single bid and went unsold. Former Indian batter Suresh Raina belongs to the latter category.

Hailed as Mr. IPL, the southpaw is among the top run-scorers in the tournament’s history. He’s also a handy off-spinner alongside being a brilliant fielder. In fact, he was instrumental in three of CSK’s four title triumph. However, a poor campaign in 2021 meant no franchise showcased interest in the southpaw. It must be noted that CSK reacquired services of many of their former players including Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo, Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu.

At 35, Suresh Raina should have bagged a deal: Irfan Pathan

However, Raina wasn’t among them and the same left the cricket world in disbelief. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was also baffled with Raina not bagging a deal. Taking to Twitter, Pathan highlighted that many foreign players play IPL even in their 40s. Hence, Raina, who’s 35, should have been a part of the competition.

“Still think Raina could have been pushed. We have seen some foreign players who have played IPL till 40.Raina is 35! One bad season. #MrIPL,” tweeted Pathan on Monday (February 14).

It must be noted that Raina, who retired from international crickey in August 2020, hasn’t played regular cricket since the last couple of years. He gave IPL 2020 a miss citing personal reasons and looked out of touch in the 2021 edition. In 12 games last season, the southpaw scored just 160 runs at a dismal average of INR 17.77. Raina even lost his place to Robin Uthappa in the fag end of the competition.

Owing to the same, many didn’t expect Raina to fetch a substantial deal this season. However, no franchise going after him left many in shock. Meanwhile, CSK also paid tribute to the veteran cricketer on social media. “Super Thanks for all the Yellove memories, Chinna Thala,” tweeted the official handle of the franchise.