'Shahid Afridi nahi hoon': Suresh Raina takes a subtle dig at former Pakistan captain when quizzed about taking U-turn to play IPL 2023; watch video

Former India captain and swashbuckling batter, Suresh Raina is currently playing for the India Maharajas in the ongoing Legends League Cricket (LLC). On March 15 (Wednesday) the destructive left-handed batter played an attractive knock against the World Giants. During his 41-ball 49-run knock, Raina smashed two fours and three sixes while some of the shots he played were vintage, to say the least.

After his eye-catching knock, a reporter told Raina that everyone wants to see the swashbuckling batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fan-favourite Raian came up with a hilarious reply and said 'main Shahid Afridi nahi hoon'.

This is how the conversation transpired:

Reporter: Everyone wants you back in the IPL after your performance tonight in Legends League Cricket.

Raina: Main Suresh Raina hoon. Main Shahid Afridi nahi hoon (I'm Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi. I've taken retirement).

Watch the video here:

The reason behind Raina citing Afridi's example was that former Pakistan took multiple U-turns after announcing retirement from international cricket.

Meanwhile, despite Raina's terrific knock with the bat, India Maharajas lost the game by three wickets. Chasing a modest target of 137 runs, the Giants rode on Chris Gayle's entertaining knock and chased down the target with eight balls to spare. The 'Universe Boss' scored an attractive half-century before Suresh Raina sent the West Indian back to the hut. Gayle departed after scoring 57 runs off 46 balls with the help of nine fours and a six. Shane Watson (26 runs off 16 balls) made a handy contribution as well.

With the ball, Lee delivered a stifling spell and bagged three wickets. On the back of the former Australian pacer's terrific effort with the ball, the Maharajas could manage to post a modest total of 136/9 in 20 overs.