Chennai Super Kings (CSK) highest run-getter Suresh Raina will continue to be a part of the franchise in the upcoming IPL season. There was speculation over his contract with CSK being terminated after what happened in IPL 2020.

Raina had returned to India ahead of the IPL tournament in UAE citing a personal reason. A franchise official confirmed to Mumbai Mirror that the ex-India batsman will remain with the franchise for another season.

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“He will be with us. There are no plans to part with him,” a top CSK management official told Mirror. He also commented on the recent police arrest of Raina after he wasn't aware of local protocols.

“We have only read about the arrest. Our plans have nothing to do with that development. He will continue to be with us,” the franchise official added.

There are high chances of a mini-auction taking place ahead of IPL 2021 instead of a mega-auction. Raina, who is part of the core members of CSK, has already started preparations. 

Raina has played over 160 games for the Chennai team and scored over 4500 runs and was part of all the CSK glory days – thrice champions, six times runners up, and once fourth position.

The 33-year-old will be playing the domestic T20 league, Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in January for Uttar Pradesh. Raina has not played competitive cricket since the IPL 2019. 

(With Mumbai Mirror Inputs)