Suresh Raina will be seen in a new role in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he is set to don the commentator's hat this season. Raina went unsold at the IPL 2022 mega auction and despite a number of overseas stars opting out of the tournament, no team showed interest to sign Mr IPL. 

There were rumours that along with Ravi Shastri, Raina too will be seen in the commentary box in this year's IPL but the news was confirmed by the host broadcaster Star Sports on Tuesday (March 22). 

He’s been all class on the field with bat and ball, now it’s time for the microphone!

Guess who we're talking about and watch this space for more updates! #YehAbNormalHai pic.twitter.com/vP2AmQtDQW

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 22, 2022

It was the first time since the inception of the IPL that Suresh Raina was not picked by any franchise. He was a regular name in the last 14 years of IPL, playing for over 10 years for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and in between led Gujarat Lions for two seasons when CSK were banned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

Raina had missed the 2020 season of the IPL due to personal reasons but came back in the next year and was part of the CSK side that won the IPL trophy for the fourth time. 

pic.twitter.com/dntXPwWJwH

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 16, 2021

When CSK did not bid for their 'Chinna Thala', it raised a few eyebrows and many fans were angry with the Chennai-based franchise. 

However, the fans will get to see Raina on their TV screens, not on field but behind the microphone. Reacting to the news, fans flooded social media with heartwarming messages for the southpaw. 

champion & Mr. IPL @ImRaina
forever our idol! #SureshRaina https://t.co/mN6z3XUhb0

— Chaitanya kamble (@chinuraina3) March 22, 2022

Thank you @StarSportsIndia @ImRaina Is the man with his new innings #SureshRaina #YeAbNormalHain https://t.co/yl7EElOtsL

— Akansha(Raina Ki Deewani) (@akasureshraina) March 22, 2022

It's nice to have him in this years IPL but that's not the role he wanted. Gotta feel for him. #SureshRaina𓃵 https://t.co/oQx5HziKdU

— P.V. Prasanth (@P_V_Prash_483) March 22, 2022

Excited to listen to his words during CSK match https://t.co/JS7mOiLoKq

— sree charan (@sreecharan04) March 22, 2022

Hmm. U can't keep Mr. IPL away from IPL! https://t.co/GBFoJXf0Fk

— 𝕊ℍ𝕌𝔹ℍ𝔸𝕄 (@CricAShub) March 22, 2022

We'll atleast get to listen him #SureshRaina @ImRaina https://t.co/DGkh99Tsa1

— Neha Adhikari (@NehaAdh89567622) March 22, 2022

After being left high and dry by the defending champions, it will be interesting to see how Raina will go about his job during a CSK game. 

The upcoming edition of the cash-rich league is set to begin on March 26 at the iconic Wankhede stadium with a clash of last year's finalists -- CSK and Kolkata Knight Riders.

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