Raina is far from being finished as a cricketer, says VB Chandrasekhar
Former India wicket-keeper VB Chandrasekhar feels that Suresh Raina has still a lot to offer and has termed him as an āoutstanding athleteā. His CSK teammate Ambati Rayudu also praised his batting stating that it has an element of a surprise and also appreciated the variety of shots in his arsenal.
The last few months have been superb for Suresh Raina. After reports emerged in 2017 that the left-hander had failed the Yo-Yo Test and wasnāt considered for selection, he worked hard on his fitness and eventually passed it in December last year. His smashing form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy also got him selected for the 3-match T20I series in South Africa.
He had scored of 15, 31 and 47 in 3 T20Is in the series against South Africa and was the Man of the Match in the last game. In the Nidahas Trophy which followed, although Raina did fail in a couple of games, he did play some crucial cameos and managed to scoreĀ 103 runs in 5 games, whichĀ helped India reach the finals.Ā Ā
When Raina hasn't contributed with the bat his sharp fielding has almost always done the job. And with the Indian team still looking for someone at No. 4 position in ODIs, Raina might be the option for the āMen in Blueā. However, it might not be easy for the Uttar Pradesh lad as the likes of Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik and Kedar Jadhav have all been waiting forĀ their big opportunity.
Former CSK director of cricket operations and former India wicket-keeper VB Chandrasekhar, who was associated with the team in the inaugural edition in 2008, believes that Raina has a lot to offer and is far from finished.Ā
āRaina is far from being finished as a cricketer. He doesnāt always need to be explosive. There is a factor called experience which helps. With experience on his side, he will be motivated to complete matches. I think he will look to stay on and finish games. He has got a lot to offer. He is also an outstanding athlete. It makes him such a huge influence on the field. When it comes to franchise cricket, it is a huge bonus having Raina around. He is someone who has been part and parcel of the team for many years. CSK have really benefitted from his presence,ā the VB Chandrasekhar told TOI.Ā
Having reunited with CSK, Raina has an ideal opportunity to stamp his old authority yet again and answer his critics. During CSKās net session at Chepauk on Friday, the left-hander showed that he is in the right frame of mind to do so. Ambati Rayudu, who will be playing for CSK this season knows what Raina is capable of. He feels Rainaās batting has an element of surprise.Ā
āI think itās the element of surprise Raina carries in his batting that makes him stand out. When bowlers donāt expect him to score or hit a delivery, he somehow manages to put it away for a four or six. We have suffered at his hands several times,ā Rayudu said on the sidelines of a Star Sports show Game Plan.
