Why is Suresh Raina not playing in IPL 2023?

Suresh Raina withdrew from IPL 2023 following his retirement announcement on 6th September 2022. Surprisingly, he remained unsold in the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions, marking the first time the seasoned cricketer didn’t find a buyer in the league’s history.

“Raina has been one of the most consistent performers for CSK for the last 12 years. Of course, it was very difficult for us, no to have Raina but at the same time you should also understand that the team composition depends on the form and kind of team which any team would like to have so that’s one of the reasons why we thought he may not fit into this team.” Chennai Super Kings CEO shared in regards to not buying Raina at the mega auction.

This came as a shock to many, especially since Raina has been a pillar for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from the league’s inception. Furthermore, his close bond with CSK captain MS Dhoni led many to anticipate a bid from the team, which did not materialize.

Raina’s non-selection at the mega auction can be attributed to his higher base price of Rs 2 crore, which seemed steep for many franchises. Alongside this, his performance in IPL 2021 might have influenced teams’ decisions. Despite his moniker “MR IPL,” Raina’s recent form hasn’t been at its peak. In 2021, he took to the field in 12 matches and garnered 383 runs, averaging just 17.77.