Chennai has been the most consistent team in the Indian T20 League, appearing in 9 finals and winning the title 4 times. Along with MS Dhoni’s leadership qualities, Suresh Raina’s presence had been the main reason for the franchise’s consistency in the tournament.
This year ahead of the mega auction Chennai decided not to retain Raina. Even more surprising for the fans was the fact that they did not even bid for them in the auction. Raina ended up without a team for the 15th edition of the Indian T20 League, as no other team showed interest in buying him. The fans were disappointed as they thought they will not be able to see their “Chinna Thala†this season. However, Raina has become a part of the Hindi commentary team of Star Network and fans are enjoying him in the new role.
The fans recently turned emotional as a clip of Raina singing in Tamil for Chennai went viral on social media. Raina sang a part of the franchise’s theme song while commentating on Chennai’s match against Lucknow. It was a request from a fan who asked Raina – “can you say Enga Thala Dhoni ku peria whistle adinga?†Raina was quick to take up the microphone and repeat the verse.  As the video went viral, fans started commenting on it soon. They went emotional and commented about missing him this season. The clip was evidence for the fans of the fact that there is no love lost in Raina’s heart for his former Indian T20 League team.
Rumors were recently ripe that Suresh Raina is pondering over the decision of retirement from all forms of cricket during the ongoing season of the Indian T20 League.
