Raina is looking to shine in the upcoming IPL for a chance to be picked in World Cup 2019.
Indian skipper MS Dhoni has batted at various positions in his career. As time changed, he was asked to bat a little higher in the batting order as his finishing ability started waning. Dhoni has been successful on number five this year. He has delivered for India and added runs at a crucial stage of the game.
Out of favor India batsman Suresh Raina, who has played with Dhoni for a long time and currently walks beside him in Chennai Super Kings, suggested a suitable batting position for his pal.
“For MS, the ideal position would be number five or six,” Raina said in an interview. “He is such a keen reader of the game and brings years of experience. When required he can build up an innings and his finishing skills are unmatched.”
For Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Raina feels the number three and four spot is better and he shouldn't go below that. “I think number three or four should be good (for Kohli),” Raina said. “If the top order topples quickly, we need someone like Kohli to keep it together.”
When asked which team is going to lift the title this year in World Cup 2019, the 32-year-old said, "For me, the most balanced team will win the World Cup."
Raina added, "English conditions are helpful for the seamers but in the recent years, we have seen spinners also do well. Last year when I was playing against Ireland and England, our wrist spinners did really well. Team India is shaping up really well in this regard, a healthy mix of youth and experience,"
“And a pace attack that is bowling beautifully in all conditions. No grey areas as such.”
IPL season is starting soon and Raina is considered as GOAT of India's T20 league. He has been a regular performer in the cash-rich league. This year IPL would be an opportunity for Raina to use it for his World Cup 2019 selection.
“I have a mix of activities that I do, I am currently doing a lot of high-intensity workouts in the gym, followed by strength and conditioning sessions,” he said.
“I’m at the nets three-four times a week. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (India’s domestic Twenty20 competition) has given me some match practice before the IPL.
“As an Indian player, my job is to work hard and hope for the best.”
(With Reuters Inputs)