IPL 2022: Suresh Raina, Ravi Shastri to join commentary panel
What's the story
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina is set to make his debut as a commentator in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Notably, Raina was unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction. Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri would be making a comeback as a commentator. He held the position of Team India's head coach from July 2017 to November 2021. Here's more.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Suresh Raina would be donning the role of a commentator for the first time in his career. He would be debuting in the Hindi commentary panel. Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri, who has voiced some of the most iconic moments in cricketing history, would mark his return after seven years. Both Raina and Shastri would be a part of an 85-member commentary panel.
Statement
Raina, Shastri to commentate during IPL 2022
Raina, in a recent interaction with Star Sports, said "After being a part of the IPL since its inception, I am excited to associate with the league in a new avatar." Shastri added, "I am excited to be back in the commentary box after five years and associate with Star Sports for one of the World's most popular sporting leagues, TATA IPL. "
Raina
Raina found no takers in IPL 2022
One of the most prolific scorers in the history of IPL, Raina found no bidders in the IPL 2022 mega auction. The flamboyant cricketer had skipped the entire tournament in 2020. He then participated in IPL 2021, where he played merely 12 matches and could amass only 160 runs while averaging 17.78.
Information
Raina's IPL record
Suresh Raina was a part of the Chennai Super Kings (2008-15, 2018-21) and Gujarat Lions (2016-17). In an IPL career spanning 205 matches, the southpaw aggregated 5,528 runs while maintaining an average of 32.52 and a strike rate of 136.76. He struck 39 fifties and 1 hundred. Also, he was a noted fielder, with 107 catches to his name.
Shastri
Ravi Shastri's tenure ended as head coach of Team India
Former India cricketer Shastri enjoyed two successive stints of two years each and under his management the side went from strength to strength. Shastri helped India become a leading force in Test cricket. India also did reasonably well in white-ball cricket under him. However, Shastri couldn't deliver any ICC tournament trophy. Under Shastri, the Indian pace attack improved significantly to help the side overseas.
IPL
IPL all set to kick start from March 26
The 15th edition of IPL will be held between March 26 to May 22. The tourney would feature 10 teams involved in 74 matches, with two newly appointed teams in Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. The opening match of the season would feature the defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.