Veteran all-rounder Suresh Raina sparked a Twitter frenzy when his retirement note had former Indian skipper and CSK legend MS Dhoni's name, with several users speculating if the two's relationship continues to remain strained.
Suresh Raina, a former Indian batter, announced his retirement from all cricket forms on Tuesday, making him eligible to play in international T20 tournaments.
On August 15, 2020, the 35-year-old retired from international cricket, following former captain MS Dhoni. He continued playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2021 but was released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the 2022 season.
Also read: Suresh Raina retires from all forms of cricket; fans laud his prolific career
"It has been an absolute honour to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of cricket," Raina tweeted while thanking the BCCI, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and CSK.
It has been an absolute honour to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of Cricket. I would like to thank , , , sir & all my fans for their support and unwavering faith in my abilities 🇮🇳
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina)Raina needed to retire from all forms of cricket to participate in overseas leagues because an active India or domestic player isn't allowed to participate in international competitions. He could also be seen in Cricket South Africa's next T20 tournament, which will feature six teams owned by IPL franchises, including CSK, and will take place the following year.
Raina played his last competitive game in October 2021 when he turned up for CSK against Rajasthan Royals in Abu Dhabi. As an India player, Raina played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20s. He was part of the World Cup winning squad in 2011.
Meanwhile, fans reacted to Raina retiring from all forms of the game, with most users questioning why the veteran all-rounder did not mention former skipper MS Dhoni, in his thank you note on Twitter. Dhoni and Raina shared an extremely close bond both as players of Team India and Chennai Super Kings.
Dhoni and Raina, dubbed Thalaiva and Chinna Thala, respectively, were CSK veterans but reports of a rift emerged in 2020. However, the all-rounder took to Instagram in 2021 to put all the rumours to bed. In the photo, Raina, who was gearing up for IPL 2021, was checking out the CSK skipper's bat. The dynamic left-hander also described the bond between the two with a lovely caption. Raina wrote, "Not always eye to eye, but always heart to heart! 💛💛 @mahi7781 @chennaiipl."
However, fans have brought speculations of a possible rift back to the forefront since Raina's retirement note on Twitter did not have Dhoni's name mentioned. Here's a look at some of the fan reactions on Twitter:
Fans, when Raina's tweet didn't mention Dhoni. 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/XJeMOLUXKW
— Shankspeare™ (@Goofyshanks)Suresh Raina - Thank you pic.twitter.com/vbaiZYw4E4
— Dr Gill (@ikpsgill1)What went wrong with ? Thought I will see his name in that list. Most unfortunate. Good luck for retired life.
— HariOm (@gcreddy50)Shame on csk for backstabbing u and forcing to retire 😞💔💔
— ︎Shreya Imphey (@Deshdrohit)If dhoni is real friend of raina, he should take retirement too https://t.co/orFbhB76fR
— A #HalaMadrid (@Vkholics)You missed to tag Thala Dhoni 🥺
— Salt Pan (@jenzbenzy)Will Dhoni send a personal text to Raina too?
— Vijay (@VijaySh09797062)History wont spare dhoni
Dhoni with 125sr in t20is excluded raina with 136sr.....
Backstabbed raina in csk
Never forget
Suresh Raina retired ho gya ....Cricket Politics le doobi....one of the best middle order batsman for India. pic.twitter.com/jYTvvG98e6
— Aayush Kumar (@IndiAayush88)No deserved player got farewell under dhoni,he always plans such that his name will be on top among masses
After all the things raina did to csk,dhoni backstabbed him....
Never forget
I think, we have to thank Dhoni and CSK team management for not selecting him in last year IPL😡. This is the reason, Raina don't have chance to play farewell match...Thank you CSK for everything.
— Shaik Meeravali (@ShaikMe96061959)Dhoni ke liye Raina intl cricket chorha
Ab dhoni ko bhi Raina ke liye ipl chrhna chahiye ta.
Msd Selfish cricketer tbh😕
Csk then:-msd,raina,jaddu,lord,faf,watto
Csk now:-only dhoni left🥲 pic.twitter.com/vQVWXt59N1
Suresh Raina announces retirement at the age of 35 meanwhile Ms Dhoni states he will play IPL again next year at the age of 41.
Cricket to MSD :- pic.twitter.com/3zYpkJKXUS
(With inputs from PTI)