Suffering loss after loss finally, it was some good news for Gujarat Lions fan in from Kolkata. Gujarat Lions, known for their batting, chased down 188 runs in 18 overs against KKR.
Their skipper Suresh Raina played a blinder or 84 runs to power Gujarat Lions for a second win in the league. Earlier Suresh Raina picked up a wicket of Sunil Narine as well, Narine was in blazing form and was thrashing Lions bowlers around the park. Suresh Raina decided to lead from the front and brought himself in bowling, which was kind of a surprise to see him bowling in Powerplay but his risk paid off Lions got their first breakthrough.
Chasing 188 runs in Eden gardens is not easy but Suresh Raina with cameos of Brendon McCullum and Aaron Finch helped Gujarat winning their second match of the tournament. Suresh Raina scored 84 runs in 46 balls with nine fours and four sixes, which earned him Man of the Match award as well.
After the game, the southpaw admitted that his former teammate and his close friend MS Dhoni taught him about planning a run chase and batting in pressure situations. Raina was the deputy of MS Dhoni in CSK and for the short period in Indian team as well.
“I Love batting in pressure situation and its a challenge I relish.I have batted with MS Dhoni for almost 10 years now and always admired how he would finish the game for the side.”
Raina talked about it to the IPL’s official website and expressed his view on his game.
“I have learnt how to cut down on asking rates from nine per over to seven per over from him. It is something that I did tonight and have learnt over the years.I was hitting the ball really well and looked to be positive throughout my inning though wickets were falling at the other end.”
Suresh Raina also relishing his leadership skills with Gujarat Lions and he said that when you are a captain you need to learn to set examples for your side.
“When you are a captain, you are there to win a game and set an example for your side. It is something that I have learnt from Dhoni while playing with him in CSK and India.”
