Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who announced his sudden retirement on 15th August, made the debut for Team India in 2005. But he didn’t have a dream like the start of his career. He was out for a duck in his ODI debut match against Sri Lanka. The middle-order batsman also got his maiden ODI century after over two years of his debut. In T20Is, he got the place in the team in 2006 but was dropped after playing just one match. Raina had the talent but had failed to translate that on the field. For the next years, his form also dipped following with the series of injuries.
But in 2008, Raina had an outstanding outing in IPL. He heavily scored for Chennai Super Kings from the middle order and that’s when he marked the international comeback. He was chipped in as a finisher for the team and successfully filled his role. The attacking batsman made some priceless cameos apart from getting the sizable knocks whenever the opportunities came by. He flourished as one of the best finishers of the game during his illustrious career.
Apart from batting, he also showed his exceptional skills in bowling and fielding. He was the trump card for the former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
Now, As Suresh Raina has bid adieu to international cricket, Sportzwiki has noted down the five greatest innings of him.
Five Greatest International Innings Of Suresh Raina
81* vs England, Faridabad 2006:
India’s prolific top-order batting stint cut short the chances for middle-order and lower middle-order to showcase their skills with the bat. And that story was same for Suresh Raina, who was waiting for an opportunity, to show his batting power. And he got that chance in the England ODI series in 2006, which was the third series of his career.
In the second match of the series against England, India was given the target of 227 runs in the slow pitch of Faridabad. In reply, India had a good start but soon after first wicket loss, the top-order collapsed. The host was down at 92 for five. The inexperienced Raina with MS Dhoni builds the match-saving partnerships. They frustrated England’s bowlers with their quick singles and doubles.
After Dhoni’s fall, Raina guided India home along with Irfan Pathan. He amassed unbeaten 81 runs, completing his maiden half-century.