One of the most popular cricketers from India, Suresh Raina has made a niche for himself thanks to his blistering batting and outstanding fielding abilities. Over the decade or so that he had represented India and CSK, he has played many memorable innings.
Here are five of the best:
87 off 25 for CSK against KXIP:
Though Suresh Raina has played many memorable innings for CSK, including the one in the 2010 IPL Final, his 87 off 25 balls was easily one of the most destructive T20 innings ever seen. Chasing a total above 210 in 20 overs, CSK needed someone to stand up and Raina did.
His superb knock included boundaries to all parts of the park and CSK reached 100 runs in a ridiculous 6 overs. He was dismissed run-out off the first ball after the powerplay break and CSK could not hit the remainder, thus putting his innings in vain.
101 off 60 versus South Africa:
The first Indian to reach a century in T20 cricket, Suresh Raina achieved the feat versus the South Africans in a World T20. Playing the Proteas in a Group game, Raina came to the crease with the team at 32-2.
He played a valuable hand, smashing the bowlers all over the park as India were able to get to a big target of 186. Raina contributed 101 runs off just 60 balls as India won the game by 14 runs, earning himself the Man of the Match.
110 off 104 versus Zimbabwe:
Playing the Zimbabweans, India would not have been expecting to be chasing 287 runs. Moreover, they would have not expected to be 3 down with more than 190 runs still to chase. Raina and Dhoni played a very sensible and calm partnership as India chased down the score.
Suresh Raina was impressive with his stroke play, picking on the loose balls and running hard between the wickets. The innings proved that Raina was able to contribute at the highest level and was an asset to the team.
100 off 74 versus England:
Touring England for a long season of cricket, Suresh Raina played a crucial hand in getting India their first win in the ODI series. After the first match was washed out due to rain, India started poorly in the second one, with 2 wickets down for just 8 runs.
After Rahane and Rohit managed to get some parity back, Raina and Dhoni capitalised with Raina smashing 12 fours and 3 sixes as he got to his century in just 74 balls. India ended up winning the game by 133 runs via the D/L method.
89 off 79 versus England:
Playing a home series versus England, India needed to win the 4th ODI in order to claim the series that was locked at 2-1. Chasing 257, India were in a spot of bother at 158-4 when Raina came in to bat.
Needing another 100 runs off the last 18 overs required a sensible innings and Raina provided just that. By playing calculated shots and taking less risks, he bought the score down before shifting up a gear and finishing the game off with 15 balls to spare.
