IPL 2020: Suresh Raina pulls out due to personal reasons

This is the second major blow to the IPL 2019 finalist CSK. Yesterday, some members of the contingent tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Although the names of the members were not made public, it is understood that the results read positive after they landed in Dubai.

According to reports, the Chennai-based franchise will now need to extend its quarantine by a week.

Last month, Raina announced his retirement from international cricket along with former Indian skipper MS Dhoni.

He participated in the five-day training camp that was conducted by the CSK management in Chennai.

After attending the camp, the entire squad then left for UAE last week to compete in the forthcoming IPL season, starting September 19.

The Super Kings will certainly miss the services of Suresh Raina.

After all, he is the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, having scored 5,368 runs from 193 matches at 33.34.

He featured in 158 consecutive games for CSK (IPL + CPL) before missing his first (2018) with a calf injury.

In his absence, the onus will be on Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, and Faf du Plessis.

The CSK are expected to begin their campaign in the opening fixture against defending champions, Mumbai Indians.

However, the full schedule will likely be announced soon.

Nevertheless, the Yellow Army, who lost to MI by one run in the previous year's finale, will vie for a fourth IPL trophy this time.

This edition will also mark the return of MS Dhoni in competitive cricket.