Suresh Raina
| FULL NAME | Suresh Kumar Raina |
|---|---|
| BORN | November 27, 1986, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| AGE | 37 years, 47 days |
| ALSO KNOWN AS | Sanu |
| BATTING STYLE | Left-hand Bat |
| BOWLING STYLE | Right-arm Offbreak |
| PLAYING ROLE | Middle-order Batter |
| TEAMS | India, B-Love Kandy, California Knights, Central Zone, Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Gladiators, Gujarat Lions, India A (India Blues), India Blue, India Green, India Maharajas, India Red, India Seniors, India Under-19s (Young Cricketers), Indian Board President’s XI, Rajasthan Cricket Association President’s XI, Rest of India, Urbanrisers Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh |
Suresh Raina: A Limited-Overs Dynamo with a Test Career Balancing Act
Suresh Raina, epitomizing the modern Indian cricketer, was a flamboyant left-hander renowned for his aggressive stroke play and exceptional fielding prowess. While excelling in limited-overs cricket, Raina faced challenges in Tests, particularly against short-pitched deliveries. Despite a promising start, his Test career struggled to match the heights achieved in ODIs.
Making a mark at the under-19 level, Raina’s prolific run-scoring earned him a spot in the Indian junior team and eventually the senior side. Transitioning from a limited-overs specialist, Raina became the 12th Indian to score a Test century on debut in Sri Lanka, filling in for the injured Yuvraj Singh. However, his inconsistency against pace and swing became a point of contention during India’s tour of England in 2011.
In ODIs, Raina’s talent was unquestionable, marked by his ability to find gaps and manipulate the field. Despite initial struggles, he staged a comeback to the national side, becoming a key middle-order batsman known for his responsible innings. Raina’s determination and resilience were honed during his formative years at the Uttar Pradesh sports hostel.
The association with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL played a pivotal role in Raina’s career. Retained by CSK, he contributed significantly to their success in multiple seasons. Raina’s connection with CSK and his captain MS Dhoni, often referred to as ‘Chinna Thala’ (junior leader), underscored his importance to the franchise.
In August 2020, Raina bid farewell to international cricket, announcing his retirement on Instagram. Notably, his retirement came moments after MS Dhoni made a similar announcement, emphasizing their close bond. Raina’s legacy remains intertwined with his impactful contributions in limited-overs cricket and his significant role in the Chennai Super Kings’ success.
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