Suresh Raina has spent a lot of time away from international cricket now. He last played a match for India in 2018, had been out of action first owing to injuries and fitness, now due to his untested form. However, the UP batsman has been continuously making a mark in the IPL and will be looking forward to the league’s 13th edition in 2020.
Suresh’s international career holds many moments for a cricket fan to cherish, especially his contributions to the Indian middle order. Now that the India team needs a full-time No.4 batsman the management can look at the elegant left-hander for his services. Just as a reminder to every person who follows cricket, here are 5 reasons an Indian fan should be thankful to Raina for:
1) Balance:
Suresh Raina always provided balance to the Indian team as a middle-order batsman and a handy right-arm off-spinner. He has always been flexible enough to change positions and bat accordingly. One cannot ignore Raina’s contributions in the 2011 World Cup-winning campaign.
With the ball, the 33-year-old can pick crucial wickets whenever asked. His bowling ability always gave the captain liberty of playing an extra batsman. Just for the record, Raina was the first Indian batsman to score a century in all three formats.
2) Fielding genius:
Raina can be considered as one of the best fielders in Indian cricket’s history. His ability to drive around and take extraordinary catches is breathtaking. Suresh’s fielding isn’t just about the catches, he also saves runs by running around. He is simply a run-saving machine when it comes to the limited-overs formats.
Raina’s dedication and enthusiasm speak for his presence in the field and Indian fans should surely thank him for raising the bars of fielding in India.
3) Finishing touch
Suresh Raina entered the Indian squad donning a finisher’s role along with M.S.Dhoni. He is a batsman who went after the bowlers from ball number one and got his team 2 big overs in the end. He was someone who understood the importance of running between the wickets and converted singles into quick doubles with Dhoni at the other end.
4) Kept the team together:
With his fun-loving nature and happy vibe, he made the dressing room a happier place. His closeness with the former Indian captain and other young players made him the glue that kept everyone together.
After retirement from test cricket, Raina was the first one Dhoni approached to share his sorrow. Suresh Raina always kept the team before his selfish desires, he played for the team.
5) First to appreciate:
Remember when Mr.IPL patted a dejected Rishabh Pant after the latter had scored a brilliant 97 against Gujrat Lions.
Raina was the first one to celebrate Virat Kohli’s century against Pakistan in 2015.
These are examples that demonstrate how cheerful and supportive Suresh Raina is. He never celebrated his achievements so much as he cheered for others.
