Excited to play for Rajkot in IPL: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina has been bought through the draft system by Rajkot franchise for a hefty Rs 12.5 crore.

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Suresh Raina had played for Chennai Super Kings for all the previous eight seasons of IPL. (Source: Express file)

After being the first pick of the Intex owned Rajkot team, India’s limited overs specialist Suresh Raina in all likelihood will be the favourite to lead the new IPL franchise.

Raina has been bought through the draft system by Rajkot franchise for a hefty Rs 12.5 crore and he looks like the man for the top job.

Not only has Raina earlier led India sporadically in the limited overs matches in Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s absence but has also led their previous franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at times.

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“Excited to play for the beautiful vibrant city- Rajkot in @IPL. Looking forward to have new teammates and support from the people of Gujarat,” Raina tweeted immediately after draft results were announced.

While Pune team have a straight forward choice of Dhoni being the leader, the Rajkot franchise will certainly look at Raina who has by far been the most prolific player in the eight seasons of IPL.

While local boy Ravindra Jadeja is there in the team but he has never been touted as a captaincy material.

The only other contender for the top job could be New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who had led KKR in the season 2 of the IPL.

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However owners over the years have looked mainly at top Indian players as their leaders as it also enhances their brand.

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