When fans were already in shock of former India captain MS Dhoni's retirement, Suresh Raina stunned everyone with his decision to quit international cricket. Raina, 34, announced retirement on the same day as Dhoni, August 15, 2020.

Raina still has a lot of cricket left in him and there was a chance to stay in contention for the limited-overs side with a good outing in the domestic cricket. He revealed the reason to bid adieu to international cricket in an interaction with The Times of India.

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The Uttar Pradesh batsman said he felt it was the right time to hang up his boot. He also talked about his friendship with Dhoni.

"I felt it was the right time. Our friendship is very different. We have won a lot of matches for the country and in the IPL, too. Definitely. We will meet and plan. Things will be good and I hope everything will go as per plan,” he told TOI.

Raina is currently gearing up for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and will lead Uttar Pradesh in the tournament. He has made himself available for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as well, after missing the IPL 2020 in UAE because of personal reasons.

Chennai Super Kings has confirmed they are not parting ways with Raina and he will continue to stay with the franchise. 

(With The Times of India Inputs)