Raina: The future is here
I wrote on Raina almost a year back just before he got selected for the Indian One Day team. I had stated that Raina is one for the future. I can say now that the future is here. India were struggling in the second One Day International versus England. A defeating chasing a low score (just like England had managed to do in the first One Dayer) looked on the cards. Suddenly the smallish target of 227 looked mighty big with 5 Indian wickets down.
Raina, with an unbeaten 81 off 89 balls, played his most important international inning yet. Raina is agressive. Raina is technically sound. Raina can also field superbly. What more do you want? We can go on and on regarding Raina’s strong points. Temperament, thought, is the biggest strength of Suresh Raina. He showed it during Uttar Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy trimph this year with vital innings which are expected off seasoned campaigners and not new kids on the block.
But Raina isn’t really a new kid. He is known to have an old head on young shoulders right from the under-19 days. Today, he gained many more fans and admirers. It is only time before Raina makes a test debut and shines at the test level. In place of who you ask. The middle order is jam packed you retort. Those were the same sounds I heard from every where before Raina was selected for the One Day squad. I had written back then:
A middle order packed with ’star’ players. So how can Raina even think of finding a berth is the common argument. Well then no one would ever find a place, even if that specific player is good enough.
Quality players do not wait for room in the XI. They make their own room. Would a Sachin Tendulkar really not make it to the test team if the middle order was tightly packed? If not in tour x, then on tour y. Else tour z is always there. It is only a matter of when and not if with quality players. Raina is a quality player. The future is here for Suresh Raina. Tags: England in India 2006, Indian Cricket, Suresh Raina.
April 12th, 2006 at 9:17 pm
I am delighted to learn that english press and media showered their blessings on Suresh Raina who ably deserves to be clubbed among elite group of cricketers in cricketing world.He is of course coaches delight when in complete command of the situation.He equally strong on both side of the wicket.
It would be unfair if I do not disclose my identity.Raina has been groomed at Sports College Lucknow since 1999 under my guidence.Though very young but mature mentally,he blossomed into very fine cricketing brain.His excellence in fielding is due to his superlative skills and physical fitness.
Deepak Sharma,Sr Cricket Coach Sports College,Lucknow,INDIA
April 13th, 2006 at 9:45 am
Sir,
It is an honour to have you comment here. Raina has looked solid as a player ever since I saw him at the Under-19 World Cup. I have been a huge fan of his ever since. Maybe because he is equally stong on both sides of the wickets (which you mention), is a part of the reason why he looks so solid.
I hope you keep coming back to sportolysis. :)