Former Indian middle-order batter Suresh Raina is currently representing the India Maharajas in the third edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), which is being held in Doha. During the team’s fourth league game on Wednesday, the left-handed batter, who announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, was in good form.
He scored 49 runs for the Maharajas after coming out to bat at No. 4 against the World Giants. He hit two boundaries and three sixes in his 41-ball stay at the crease. However, his efforts were in vain, as the Giants chased down the target of 137 runs in 18.4 overs for the loss of seven wickets, aided by Chris Gayle’s 57.
During the post-match press conference, a reporter commented on Raina’s outstanding performance. “Everyone wants you back in the IPL after your performance tonight in Legends League Cricket,” the reporter said.
Raina responded with a hilarious answer. “Main Suresh Raina hoon. Main Shahid Afridi nahi hoon. Retirement le chuka hoon (I’m Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi. I’ve taken retirement),” the former cricketer said. For the uninformed, former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi came out of retirement several times during his playing career, which is why Raina referred to him.
Here is Suresh Raina’s video
Suresh Raina !!!pic.twitter.com/Ez6x5gLKtN
— Drink Cricket ? (@Abdullah__Neaz) March 15, 2023
In the meantime, the loss on Wednesday was the Maharajas’ third in four matches. They are at the bottom of the points table with only two points, but they can still win the championship. Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, and Raina have impressed with their batting in a forgettable campaign for the Maharajas so far. While Gambhir has already hit three consecutive fifties, Uthappa remained unbeaten on 88 from 39 balls in the team’s third match.
On the other hand, fans on Twitter were in splits as Raina made these comments in the press conference. “Raina spitting brutal facts,” a user wrote. “Lmaoooo that is such an epic answer! No wonder why Raina is considered one of the best timers of the ball!” another user wrote.
Here is how Twitter reacted
Shahid Afridi : Mujhe kyu toda?
— Cricswing (@cric_swing) March 15, 2023
Gambhir is making run. Raina is making fun. Shahid 'Teen' Afridi is bodied ?
— Barkha Joshi (@bindasbarkha) March 15, 2023
Every team needs someone like Shahid Afridi ? pic.twitter.com/pGYdjmrdPs
— Troll Crickoot (@TrollCrickoot) March 15, 2023
Rania was forced to retire.
Still unable to understand why Dhoni kicked him out of the CSK.— Rehan Ul Haque (@rehanulhaque1) March 15, 2023
Raina spitting brutal facts ?
— Vishesh Jain (@Vishesh2495) March 15, 2023
Overacting ?
Jab khelene ke liye ready tha tab kisi ne pick nhi kiyaCsk ne dhokha de diya
— Shamsi (MSH) ?? (@ShamsiHaidri) March 15, 2023
Who wants him back after 49 from 41?
— Aman Ajmani (@aajmani99) March 15, 2023
Can anyone tell Why and how Suresh Raina from best fielder and performer got suddenly dipped in performance and he was made to retire..He even not tried again to to be part of IPL or Indian cricket….
— Chivalry knight (@DesiGodha) March 15, 2023
Suresh Raina is Mr. IPL and man of his words ?
— ? (@SarcasticCowboy) March 15, 2023
Lmaoooo that is such an epic answer! No wonder why Raina is considered one of the best timers of the ball!?
— Shahzeb Khan (@theshahzebkhan) March 15, 2023
