Raina is the only batsman to score century in the T20 World Cup, IPL and CL T20
Suresh Raina now has the ability to withstand pressure and thrive in a tight situation
Bengaluru: The tempering effect of experience and hard work has worked wonders for Suresh Raina, the once brash and over zealous youngster. The flamboyant and over the board celebration of milestones has long gone and has made way for a sedate expression of happiness.But one thing that is ingrained in the 27-year-old is his versatility and ability to withstand pressure and thrive in a tight situation.
At the Chennai Super Kings, amidst an array of fine batsmen from across the globe, including skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Raina has held his own, doing justice to the immense confidence his captain has in him and the natural ability he oozes.At the M. Chinnaswamy stadium on Saturday night, for 79 minutes, the one-down batsman unleashed strokeplay par excellence en route to Chennai Super Kings’ eight-wicket title victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Champions League final.
Starting with a scoop over covers in the fourth over off Andre Russell, Raina showed his dangerous streak early and finished his rain of sixes which numbered eight, by stepping out and lofting a big one over covers even as bowler Piyush Chawla looked on helplessly. Off the 185 scored by the southern kings, Raina contributed 109, which came in 62 balls.
After the spectacular innings and the deserving man of the series crown, Raina said, “I have seen Virat Kohli bat and hit big hundreds and I have learnt from him that you can’t throw it away. In the last seven years, I have played with Fleming, Hayden, Hussey and I have learnt how to build an innings from them.”
His third century in T20 cricket also made Raina the only batsman to strike a century each in the T20 World Cup, IPL and Champions League.The left-hander came in for high praise from CSK coach Stephen Fleming. “He has been a talisman batting at No. 3. He is one of the most consistent players in this format going around and without doubt, if he scores well and stays in for a period of time, we will win matches.
I know he was very determined to make use of good form. I think the way he played was a classic display of how to chase down a competitive score. I have been happy to share some knowledge with him on that. But he has taken it to a new level. He now feels comfortable that he can stay at the wicket for a period of time and if he does that, he then has the opportunity to unleash some of those shots that we saw. When he is in form and playing like that, he is one of the best players in the world to watch, especially against the spinners.”
Calling Raina one of the most effective limited overs player is no exaggeration, but he hasn’t made much of a statement when it comes to Test cricket. He last played a Test match against New Zealand two years ago, but Fleming hopes he gets another chance to prove his worth in the five-day game.
“He has some goals in mind which are not just about T20s and one-dayers. We wish him all the best for that. He is certainly on the right path and I couldn’t ask for more from an athlete or a cricketer in my side with his work ethics. I just hope when and if he gets another opportunity, he makes the most of his talent because he is a pretty special talent when he is on,” said the New Zealander.
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