Star England batsman Jason Roy, who was due to represent Gujarat Titans, has pulled out of IPL 2022 citing bubble fatigue. As Titans look for a replacement, fans urged the newly-added side to sign veteran batsman Suresh Raina.
The 31-year-old batter took to social media today to affirm his decision to skip the upcoming tournament. Jason Roy also stated that he will cheer for the Titans even though he won’t be able to play.
“It’s with a heavy heart I have decided to pull out of this year’s tournament. I want to thank the [Gujarat Titans] management and the captain Hardik [Pandya] for putting your faith in me and picking me in the auction. However, with everything going on in the world over the last 3 years it’s added up and taken it’s toll on me,” Roy wrote on Instagram.
“I feel it’s only right I spend some quality time with my family. As well as spending time working on myself and my game over the next couple of months leading into a very busy year. I will be following each game of the Titans and backing them to lift the trophy in their first year of the tournament,” he added.
IPL 2022. pic.twitter.com/fZ0LofBgSE
— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) March 1, 2022
Fans want to see Suresh Raina in IPL 2022
Ever since the news broke out on social media, fans have rallied behind the signing of Suresh Raina as Jason Roy’s replacement. The veteran batsman went unsold at the IPL 2022 auction after Chennai Super Kings part ways with him after a dismal outing in IPL 2021.
Here are some reactions:
Dear @gujarat_titans, if you pick Suresh Raina as a replacement of Roy, you are not just picking Raina for the team also you would getting almost 10M+ followers for your team who would promote your matches and support. This is important for your brand value. #SureshRaina𓃵 pic.twitter.com/zEZrZqaSCP
— Nikhil Shete (@Nix_viratian_18) March 2, 2022
This Old #SureshRaina𓃵 was Beast 🥶.
I want to see him this kind of touch in upcoming #TATAIPL 🏆 for #GujaratTitans .
China Thala Fan 💥🙇 pic.twitter.com/7vaEcQpPOs— आyush (@aayushandilya) March 2, 2022
#SureshRaina𓃵 #GujaratTitans Once you pick suresh raina as a replacement for Jason Roy then your fan base became half as csk …🙂 Pls make it true…🙏@ImRaina @gujarat_titanshttps://t.co/vf5Pthy3lx pic.twitter.com/IfHzrLrVOz pic.twitter.com/evaZd0Xg9S
— Vikas Yadav 🇮🇳 🦁 (@imvikasyadav_) March 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/JOKER_TRENDS/status/1498910166636396545
#SureshRaina𓃵
Now make csk regret their choice!#GujaratTitans bring our champ and our support is for you! pic.twitter.com/VpRJvBtRj6— Maverick_Osprey (@Maveric30466846) March 2, 2022
#SureshRaina𓃵 #GujaratTitans Pls purchase him ,,,worth player pic.twitter.com/0C3DAsCgO2
— Nagesh_Akhil (@Nagesh_akkineni) March 2, 2022
#SureshRaina𓃵 whole day this tag trending list with #GujaratTitans ,,,,this is last hope and emotion off many indian fans pic.twitter.com/jr3bREjpHP
— D Hearts (@DHearts5) March 2, 2022
Suresh Raina has amassed over 5000 runs in 205 IPL games with one century and has been part of CSK’s all four IPL title wins in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. He also led CSK in a few matches when MS Dhoni was not available.