I can be the No.4 for India, claims Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina has claimed that he can be the solution that India are searching for at No.4 in the batting order. Raina also gave his opinion on his Chennai Super Kings teammate and skipper MS Dhoni’s retirement chatter by saying that only he can decide when he leaves the game of cricket for good.
On Thursday, Raina was in Chennai - his second home - as a guest of honour at AARUUSH’19, a National level techno-management fest, conducted by the SRM University. Although he is still recovering from knee surgery, he is convinced that he can turn it around and become the solution to India’s middle-order crisis.Â
“Basically my left knee was cleaned up. I expect to be back playing in November. I can be the No. 4 for India. I have batted in that slot before and delivered. I am looking forward to an opportunity with two T20 World Cups coming up,” Raina told Sportstar.
Indeed with two T20 World Cups in successive years, 2020 and 2021, the southpaw can prove to be a game-changer for India. The 32-year-old has amassed 5,615 ODI and 1,605 T20I runs in 304 one-dayer outings. However, Raina had sympathy for two other batsmen Rishabh Pant, who is going through a rough phase at No,4, and Ambati Rayudu who was left heartbroken at his World Cup snub.Â
“(On Pant) He appears confused, is not playing his natural game. He is looking for singles, blocking, and appears lost. Someone needs to talk to him as M.S. Dhoni would do to players. Cricket is a mental game and Pant has to be backed to play his attacking brand of cricket. Right now he seems to be playing under instructions and it is not working,” Raina said.Â
“(On Rayudu) I felt bad for him. He had been there and groomed for a role for two years. It can be devastating to anybody,” he continued.Â
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh cricketer continues to believe that Dhoni has a lot more to offer to the game.Â
“Only Dhoni will decide when he leaves the game. We have many match-winners but we play as a cohesive unit. And we have Dhoni. He is still fit, still a terrific wicket-keeper and still the greatest finisher in the game. Dhoni will be an asset to India in the T20 World Cup,” Raina added.
