Come IPL, come Raina

Raina fans, ready for IPL V?

In the IPL, Raina has always been a consistent performer.

He is the highest run scorer in IPL with a total of 1813 runs.

IPL 2008- 421 runs

IPL 2009- 434 runs

IPL 2010- 520 runs 

IPL 2011- 438 runs

Raina's role model Rahul Dravid retires

Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from international cricket at a press conference on Friday.

Many cricketers bid farewell to Dravid nicknamed 'the wall'. Here's what Raina had to say "Wall for team but a shoulder for team mates. Impregnable for opposition, motivation for us. That's Rahul bhai for us. Got my ODI and test cap from him".

"Team's morale has lifted",says Raina

Suresh Raina told the media that the Indian team will be looking forward to the tri-series with 'renewed enthusiasm'. He also added that the morale of the team had lifted after winning the second T20. 

The rest of the interview can be read at [http://www.cricketcountry.com/cricket-articles/Suresh-Raina-says-India-s-morale-is-up-after-winning-second-T20-/11048].

Raina completes formalities

Raina took the wicket of Pollard to wrap up the West Indies innings and the series. Pollard had scored 119 and seemed like the only man who could prevent India's victory. Raina had bowled 6.1 overs and was the most economic bowler at 3.90 runs per over. Earlier, Raina was not out at 16 runs off 12 balls.    India's innings had a major boost with Manoj Tiwary's maiden century.

Happy Birthday Raina!!!

All fans wish you a very Happy Birthday, Raina and a lot of success ahead.

Raina is currently at Mumbai celebrating his 25th birthday.

Comment on this post to send your wishes.

Raina awarded CEAT international T20 player of the year

Raina was awarded the CEAT international player of the year award at Mumbai. The other awarded Indian cricketers were Kohli and Gambhir among others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EBjLAyAubH4

Greg Chappell has always ensured that youngsters got their due in the Indian team: Raina

"Greg Chappell has always ensured that youngsters get their due in the Indian team. And it is because of him only that the likes of RP Singh, Dhoni, Murali Karthik and others were able to play for India," said Raina. 
Raina also praised Rahul Dravid. "He is a very focused and disciplined player. You would never see him talking lightly. I really owe to him for showing faith in my abilities,"said Raina, "I was down and out when I was bowled by Murli on the very first bowl that I faced in ODI cricket. In the evening, Rahul bhai came to me and told me to relax as I have still long way to go," 
When asked about Sachin's 100th ton, he replied, ""I feel that the best thing about Sachin is that he enjoys the success of others. That makes him all the more special for all of us."

Raina visits Shirdi temple before leaving for West Indies

Suresh Raina, recently appointed captain of Indian team for the upcoming West Indies tour, offered prayers at the Sai Baba temple at shirdi on May 31. He was accompanied by Union Minister Praful Patel's daughter Purna Patel and together offered prayers at the Samadhi Mandir. Raina and Purna arrived here this morning and drove straight to the Shri Sai Baba temple for a darshan. However, Raina did not interact with the mediapersons, who gathered there.

Raina to lead team India

Suresh Raina will be the captain of the Indian cricket team for the ODI series against West Indies in the absence of regular captain M S Dhoni.Suresh Raina belongs to an elite group of 21 Indian players - those who have been bestowed with the honour of leading the national side.The Indian ODI team captain Raina, set for the mission of touring the West Indies with a young side sans the stars, arrived bang on time and was greeted with smiles from the new coach Duncan Fletcher and manager Amitabh Choudhary - sporting T-shirts. "We should've also got our blazers," came the refrain from one of them as they hurried in to address the media.

Beaming, confident and quick to answer, Raina said, "I feel very proud to be leading this Indian team. We have recently won the World Cup and now we have a new coach in Duncan Fletcher and we hope to do well in the West Indies." 

Raina agreed that it was a new milestone for him to lead a World Champion team in the West Indies. "It is a new turning point for me. But it is for the coach to give us ideas and on our part we will have to ensure that we implement them on the field. We will have to execute our plans well. It is important for us to do well in the West Indies and the good thing is that there are a lot of youngsters who are very keen. I am really happy with the team."

Raina ruled out the pressure factor affecting his boys. "We have played under pressure, so I don't think the boys will be affected by that. I would want the players to play their natural game and make the most of the opportunity."

About his own captaincy, Raina said he had learnt a lot from his earlier captains and will look to use that experience. "We went to the West Indies under (Rahul) Dravid for Tests in 2006 and again for the World Cup 2007. I have also learnt a lot from Kumble and Dhoni. I would want the team to stay positive, stay focused and gel."

On the absence of Chris Gayle in the West Indies squad for the T20 and the first two ODIs, Raina quipped, "He could be back after the first two ODIs, but we are ready for the challenge. We have been playing Tests, ODIs and T20s, but it is important for the players to keep up the intensity. It'll be a challenge and the boys are excited."

The young team should benefit from the veteran coach Fletcher, who expects the youngsters to graduate to a new level. 

CSK win the IPL 2011

Chennai Super Kings won the IPL for a second time in a row.Chennai set a huge target of 206 thanks to record opening partnership of 156 by Vijay and Hussey. Nothing seemed to be going in RCB's favour as they lost Gayle in the first over from some clever bowling from Ashwin.Many of the RCB batsmen got out cheaply. Raina then took the wicket of Kohli which was probably RCB's final hope.


P.S:Could not update ealier as I was in Kerala for the summer.