Suresh Raina made his India debut in an ODI match against Sri Lanka in 2005.
In 226 ODIs, Raina amassed 5615 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 93.51 with five hundreds and 36 fifties. He also featured in 78 T20Is and scored 1604 runs at a strike rate of 134.79, including a century.
The southpaw was also part of the Indian team that won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.
Speaking to JioCinema, Suresh Raina recently opened up about his India debut in an ODI match against Sri Lanka in 2005, recalling that he received his India cap from Rahul Dravid.
Raina also revealed how Yuvraj Singh pulled his leg on debut when he mentioned Dravid as his idol.
"I got my India cap in 2005 from Rahul Bhai. I had to give a speech in front of Paaji, Viru Paa, Dada, VVS Laxman, Zaheer Bhai, Ashu Bhai, Anil Bhai, Yuvi Paa, Bhajju Paa, MS Dhoni had recently joined the team and Irfan Pathan. So, I started the usual spiel but was stopped midway and asked to name my favourite player," Raina said.
"I said I idolize Rahul sir a lot so Yuvi got on to me immediately and pulled my leg saying “The world’s best batsman and God of Cricket is sitting here, how is he not your favourite?” I clarified that Sachin Paaji was also one of the favourites but I had posters of Dravid on my wall. It was a very friendly banter and broke the ice for me," he further added.
Suresh Raina was not just a brilliant batter for India but also an able off-spinner and an incredible fielder.
After winning the IPL 2021 with Chennai Super Kings, Raina was not retained by the franchise. Subsequently, the left-hander announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, which made him eligible for other franchise-based T20 leagues.