'I Am Brahmin': Suresh Raina's On-Air Comment on Caste Slammed on Social Media

Raina, who was a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, made the comment during commentary in TNPL.

A remark by Suresh Raina during commentary at the Tamil Nadu Premier League became a point of discussion on social media. The 34-year-old was criticised for saying that he embraces the culture in Chennai as he is “also a Brahmin”. However, he also received support from various social media users.

“I think I am also a Brahmin. I have been playing since 2004 in Chennai, I love the culture. I love my teammates. I have played with Anirudha Srikanth, Badri (Subramaniam Badrinath), Bala Bhai (L Balaji),” said the three-time IPL winner when he was asked about his connection with Chennai as he has been seen wearing a 'veshti', dancing and whistling.

“We have a good administration at CSK and we have the license to explore ourselves. I love the culture there, and I’m lucky to be part of CSK. Hopefully, we will play more matches there,” added Raina.

He was criticised on Twitter for his comment on his caste.

'No More Respect'

Abhinav Mukund : *Questions about Chennai culture*

Raina : Am a Brahmin too! pic.twitter.com/DL27kStnr7

— JC (@jc_writes_) July 19, 2021

What the heck @ImRaina sir.. you shouldn’t use that word ….. https://t.co/v8AD1Cp0fT pic.twitter.com/TltPoMbYec

— udayyyyyy 👨🏻‍💻👨🏻‍💼👨🏻‍🍳🏋️ (@uday0035) July 19, 2021

So watched the video, I once liked Raina very much and now im sad how ignorant or he has been hiding all these days. Lost it! No more respect

— vijay renganathan (@MarineRenga) July 20, 2021

Indian cricketer Suresh Raina casually takes pride in his Brahmin caste. Yuvraj & Ashwin used casteist slurs, Jadeja & Dhawan have shown caste pride. While all athletes around the world are uniting for Black Lives Matter, UC cricketers are still casteisthttps://t.co/7Aj5ooJU0j

— Sankul Sonawane (@Sankul333) July 20, 2021

Chennai culture is usually projected as Tamil Brahmin culture in some circles, Chennai Express etc.

Filter coffee, Mylapore, Curs Rice with Maggi. Maybe Raina thought that this will help him get close to fans. https://t.co/ZihzCyilaI

— dhadibaby (@Eevera) July 20, 2021

@ImRaina you should be ashamed yourself.

It seems that you have never experienced real Chennai culture though you have been playing many years for Chennai team. https://t.co/ZICLRr0ZLh

— Suresh (@suresh010690) July 19, 2021

'With Suresh Raina'

However, some people also came out in support of the former international cricketer.

Everyone whether he/she is an OBC or SC/ST or Tamil must be proud of what they are.
That is what Suresh Raina doing and I don't think it's hurt to emotions of any caste and religion.
Be proud of what we are.
I firmly stand with Raina.
I am proud of being brahmin#मैं_भी_ब्राह्मण pic.twitter.com/HwY8Ay2ZeP

— Amit. (@Its_Mahi_7) July 21, 2021

People who carry caste certificates in their wallets have an issue with Suresh Raina knowing he is a Brahmin.#मैं_भी_ब्राह्मण

— Eminent Intellectual (@totalwoke) July 22, 2021

We all are with suresh raina#मैं_भी_ब्राह्मण pic.twitter.com/nHfncfc1i9

— Nishant singh (@Nishantketu7463) July 22, 2021

On 15 August 2020, Suresh Raina had announced his retirement from international cricket. He will be playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the remainder of the IPL 2021, which will be played in September in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).