Suresh Raina to make a comeback in competitive cricket with Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Former Indian swashbuckling batsman Suresh Raina had made headlines before the commencement of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by leaving Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) bio-bubble in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and returning to India. The Super Kings had received a massive blow as Raina had pulled out his name from the tournament citing personal reasons.

There were many rumours regarding the reason behind Raina’s abrupt exit from the tournament. However, Raina had clarified that for him his family was important and he couldn’t cope with the mental pressure of being in the bubble after 13 members of the CSK contingent had tested positive for the coronavirus.

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 canceling 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.

Suresh Raina to lead Uttar Pradesh in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Amid various speculations of Raina’s journey in the Indian Premier League and cricket, it is reported that the batsman is all set to return to competitive cricket as he will be representing Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2020/21. Owing to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, domestic cricket was put to halt, however, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to schedule the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before the IPL auctions for 2021 editions.

Speaking to Dainik Jagran, Suresh Raina confirmed that he would be leading the Uttar Pradesh team in the domestic tournament and also confirmed his presence in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 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.

However, the cricketer didn’t comment on whether he would be playing for CSK in IPL 2021 or not. Raina had last featured in a cricket game during the final of the IPL 2019 where the Super Kings had to register defeat against Mumbai Indians.