Suresh Raina believes he has four more years of cricket left

Suresh Raina believes he has four more years of cricket left

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India's star batsman Suresh Raina believes that he has three to four more years of cricket left in him and would love to play for his country again as nothing gives him greater pleasure. The 30-year-old also said that his love for cricket has increased ever since he became a father.

Suresh Raina has been out of the Indian squad for quite some time now. While he featured in India’s T20I squad against England back in February, he hasn't donned the national colors ever since.

However, the dashing southpaw still harbors hopes of a comeback, “I don’t care about money, name-fame … all that will be there, and I have done it already. But there’s no greater kick than playing for India, with fans cheering. That’s what I want again,” Wisden India quoted Raina as saying.

Raina's focus was said to have shifted away from the game after his marriage by Uttar Pradesh coach Rizwan Shamshad, as he was left out of the Board of Control for Cricket in India contracts. And the 30-year-old didn’t deny those remarks stating how his life has changed after tying the knot and the birth of his daughter, Gracia.

“Two years back, when I was training and all, and my wife was expecting, I was thinking that cricket is all right, but there is so much more to life. I thought I should be even more serious, so I can make sure her future is good. I know I have four-five more years of cricket. My wife said she would support me whatever I decide,” revealed Raina.

Though the 30-year-old hasn't played for India in over six months, a player of his caliber remains hard to replace for any side as even in his last game in Bangalore, dashing southpaw scored a decent 63 off 45 balls as India defeated England by 75 runs. However, he is yet to play a game in the 50-over format since October 2015, but he has the 2019 World Cup firmly in his sights and is working hard towards his goal. 

“I am playing the 2019 World Cup in England. It’s the final. India is playing Australia or Pakistan. And I hit the winning shot, a four. She is clapping in the stands. The tricolor is flying. Everyone is cheering for me. That’s what I want. That’s what I dream of.”

Finally, despite failing in the yo-yo endurance Test at the National Cricket Academy last week, the player has been working on his fitness. “Follow the process – I know everyone says it, but that’s what it is. Look after my body, enjoy as much as possible, score runs when I get the opportunity,” he added

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