“I Can be the No. 4 for India”: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina, who used to be one of the key players for India, shared his desire to don the blue jersey again. He hasn’t played for the Indian team since last July, but has not given up on his dreams. Raina is currently recovering from a knee injury and expects to be back in action from November onwards. However, he is keen on playing at the back-to-back T20 World Cups in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

As India have been struggling with the right combination in the middle-order, veteran Suresh Raina wants to play in that position. He has played 78 T20Is, scoring 1605 runs including a century.

“Basically my left knee was cleaned up. I expect to be back playing in November,” Raina said to Sportstar. “I can be the No. 4 for India. I have batted in that slot before and delivered. I am looking forward to an opportunity with two T20 World Cups coming up.”

In the current scenario, India’s first-choice wicket-keeper in MS Dhoni‘s absence, Rishabh Pant plays in the afore-mentioned position. However, he is going through a rough phase and faced a lot of criticism. However, Raina backed Pant and shared that the youngster needs to play his brand of cricket.

“He appears confused, is not playing his natural game. He is looking for singles, blocking, and appears lost,” said Suresh Raina. “Someone needs to talk to him as MS Dhoni would do to players. Cricket is a mental game and Pant has to be backed to play his attacking brand of cricket. Right now he seems to be playing under instructions and it is not working.”

Raina also shared that former India captain MS Dhoni still has a lot of things to offer Indian cricket.

“He is still fit, still a terrific wicket-keeper and still the greatest finisher in the game. Dhoni will be an asset to India in the T20 World Cup. Only Dhoni will decide when he leaves the game,” said Raina.