CSK vs DC: Suresh Raina roars back to form with IPL 2021's maiden half-century

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Suresh Raina scored the ongoing IPL 2021’s maiden half-century, during the second match of the season against Delhi Capitals (DC). Raina completed his 50 off 32 deliveries, in an innings comprising of three boundaries and four sixes. The 34-year-old did not feature in the 2020 edition of the cash-rich league, due to personal reasons. However, his soaring comeback in a match which was termed by many as a true test of his capabilities indicates the hunger and intensity which Raina maintains through thick and thin.

The batsman was eventually dismissed for 54 runs off 36 deliveries, with three boundaries and four sixes to his credit. Raina attempted to run through and complete a quick double, but was left short of his crease following some miscommunication with Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja attempted to convey to the 34-year-old that the bowler came in the way, but the batsman simply put his head down and walked back.

Fans hailed the performance of the 34-year-old on social media platform Twitter, hailing his half-century as a “brilliant” one. Here are some of the reactions:

Class Never goes out of style @ImRaina #SureshRaina #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/HZnFa2KaZe

— vishnu subramaniam (@vinusubramaniam) April 10, 2021

It’s the RAINA SHOW at Wankhade!
Comon Champion @ImRaina
Vintage Raina Is Back #SureshRaina #CSKvDC #Yellove #WhistlePodu #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/gRTdFbTap3

— Soan Raina (@Soan_Raina3) April 10, 2021

#SureshRaina smashing bowlers be like this #CSK #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/385u4NMFIn

— Shashank Suresh (@ShashankSures14) April 10, 2021

Suresh Raina aka ‘Chinna Thala’ is such a delight to watch, so much talent, everything he does seems so effortless. Good to see him after such a long time.

— Ripu Daman Jaiswal (@Shivashorcrux) April 10, 2021

Former CSK cricketer Harbhajan Singh who now plays for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hailed the performance of Raina, terming him as a “king”. “Super Raina king @ChennaiIPL well played China thala,” his message read.

Super Raina king @ChennaiIPL well played China thala

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 10, 2021

Earlier, DC skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to field. Pant termed the softness of the wicket as the factor which determined his decision. The four overseas players for the Delhi-based franchise were Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes and Tom Curran. Curran made his debut for DC, receiving the cap from Shikhar Dhawan.

CSK captain MS Dhoni admitted that he would have liked to field as well, considering the difficulty in defending on the ground. He further termed dew as “a factor” that could come into play. Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran and Dwayne Bravo were the four overseas players for the Chennai-based franchise.