Why Suresh Raina is Not in the Indian Squad Now: An Analysis

As of my last update in August 2023, Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricketer who retired from international cricket in 2020, has not been part of the Indian national squad. This article delves into the factors that led to his absence from the team, examining his retirement, his performance leading up to it, the evolution of the team, and his current involvements in T20 leagues.

Retirement of Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15, 2020, shortly after MS Dhoni's retirement. This marked the end of his illustrious international career. Raina had made significant contributions to the Indian team, but as the years passed, there were reasons that contributed to his absence from the squad.

Declining Performance and Team Evolution

The performance of Suresh Raina in the years leading up to his retirement showed a marked decline. This decline in form influenced the selectors' decisions regarding squad selections. Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team has been evolving, with younger talent emerging. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and others have been preferred in recent selections, reflecting the shift in team dynamics.

Focus on T20 Leagues

Since retiring from international cricket, Raina has continued to play in T20 leagues, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other franchise cricket leagues. His focus on these leagues has allowed him to stay in the spotlight and maintain his career.

Why Suresh Raina is Not Selected for the 2019 World Cup

The decision to exclude Suresh Raina from the 2019 World Cup squad can be attributed to several factors. Raina played his last ODI in 2018, and since then, he has been seen primarily in IPL matches. His removal from international cricket was due to poor form. The debate often centers around whether Virat Kohli showed favoritism in team selections or if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the right decision. Raina himself admitted wanting to be part of the World Cup team, highlighting the difficulty of bringing in new talent and maintaining the elite squad.

Conclusion

Despite his rich cricketing legacy, Suresh Raina's absence from the Indian squad is a result of a combination of factors including his declining performance, the team's evolution toward younger talent, and his focus on T20 leagues. For the most current updates on his status or any potential return, it is advisable to check the latest news sources.

Keywords: Suresh Raina, Indian cricket squad, retirement