Suresh Raina used to be MS Dhoni's highly preferred part-time bowler.
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina talked about the importance of having batsmen who can bowl. Raina was used as a bowler by the ex-India captain MS Dhoni regularly, shared the example of Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh.
The current Indian team lacks bowling options, apart from the five main bowlers. India all-rounder Hardik Pandya isn't bowling after coming back from injury and it has created issues for Virat Kohli lately.
“It is very important for a batsman to bowl and a bowler to bat, it’s is always useful for the team. It is very important for any captain that a batsman chips in with 4-5 overs and just slows the proceedings before your best bowler is back in the attack,” Raina said at the launch of the ”FrontRow” app..
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India used Yuvraj Singh very well in the World Cup 2011 which also produced results for them. Dhoni was someone who never hesitated in giving the ball to part-timers in middle-overs.
“Sachin paaji bowled, Viru bhai took a lot of wickets. Yuvi paaji helped us win the World Cup with the momentum,” Raina said.
“When we used to play tournaments in the villages, to be in the team, we had to bowl alongside batting otherwise we weren't selected.
“Fielding had to be good as we didn't know if we”d get a chance to bat or not. Bowling is arduous, no one likes to do it. But then the captain gets a choice that this player can bowl,” he added.
Raina will be sharing his batting experience in the FrontRow app and he is delighted with the opportunity. “I have been lucky to fulfill my dreams and play for the country at the top level. Over the years, I have learnt many things on and off the field which would give an edge to any aspiring cricketer.
“FrontRow has given me a platform to give back and share this knowledge so that others can realize their cricketing dreams as well,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)