REECHAT- Circle of Cricket’s latest presentation in the digital world brought fans closer to their favorite players with the first two episodes featuring two World Cup-winning Indian cricketers in Irfan Pathan and RP Singh, in conversation with Reema Malhotra, former India women’s cricketer.

It was natural to up the ante with the third episode of the show, and it featured the 2011 World Cup winner and three-time IPL champion, Suresh Raina.

He conversed with Reema Malhotra on different aspects like his humble beginnings, memories of the 2011 World Cup, and playing alongside MS Dhoni. He also talked about being still passionate about the game and eyeing a comeback into the national team.

Born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Suresh Kumar Raina started his cricketing journey in Sports College, Lucknow along with RP Singh. He made his India ODI debut in 2005 against Sri Lanka.

He also made his Test debut against the same team in 2010 and scored a century on debut. His T20I debut came against South Africa in 2006, in the very first match India played in the format, internationally.

Talking about his beginning, Raina revealed that he was determined to become a cricketer and in order to succeed, his elder brother got him admitted to the Sports College in Lucknow and he lived in the hostel for his studies and the game. He credited the atmosphere of sports in the college for him to become a passionate sportsperson.

Known as one of the best fielders India has produced, Raina said, “Fielding is all about loving doing it mentally. Unless you enjoy being on the field, you cannot become a successful fielder. I learned from watching Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh and ball couldn’t pass through when we three fielded on the offside.”

Raina was a part of the Indian squad for the 2011 World Cup but only got into the playing XI in the knockout stages of the tournament. He mentioned that the World Cup was a matter of pride for the entire nation. He gave credit to all the support staff, masseurs, and everyone who helped the players give their 100% on the field. He also said that fans prayed a lot, given the tournament was played at home.

He singled out MS Dhoni’s leadership and involvement of Sachin Tendulkar, who was playing his sixth and final World Cup tournament, for the success. He said that Tendulkar sat in every meeting, gave tremendous inputs, and helped MS Dhoni a lot during the matches given his experience.

Raina said that MS Dhoni felt that he needed to win the tournament just for Sachin Tendulkar, seeing his involvement in ensuring India win the World Cup.

Speaking of MS Dhoni, Raina, who is known to be a good friend of the former India captain, said that he is a tough character and honest with his process. He enjoys every moment on the field and for him, the match isn’t over until it is.

His brilliant cricketing mind keeps him one step ahead of the rest and he supports his players. “If he is expecting you to do something, he ensures you do it 100%,” Raina said.

Raina also told that Dhoni was batting well during the CSK camp in March 2020 and his fitness was better than ever. He said that once he is back on the field, people will see how much he still loves the game and mentioned that he expects the CSK captain to do very well in the upcoming IPL 2020 in UAE.  

Suresh Raina, who is known as “Chinna Thala” in Chennai, said he prides in playing in the yellow jersey for CSK, something that is true for MS Dhoni as well. He called performing for the three-time IPL champions a different feeling, given the special connection with fans there, who worship cricketers.

Raina also elaborated on his earlier comment that selectors should communicate with players in a better way. The left-hander last played for India in 2018 and said that everyone plays for respect and pride and that selectors need to communicate to the players why they are being left out of the team and what they need to do in order to get back into contention.

He cited Rayudu and Yuvraj as examples apart from him as players who had their ups and downs. He called for selectors to give reasons to them for being dropped and be honest with the players, helping them improve.

“I am still passionate and proud of playing for India and waiting for an opportunity to play for India again. Characters who are willing to give it all, continue to play for India making many comebacks,” he said when asked about returning to India colors.

Raina also gave his opinion on how women’s cricket in India has improved with characters and players like Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Rodrigues, Deepti, and others bringing in flair to the game.

He spoke about why his wife Priyanka and he started the Gracia Raina foundation which helped expectant mothers with essential care and treatment which is lacking in the country.

He also revealed which teammate of his is the best actor, the best dancer and who has the best sense of humor and is the most fashionable.

Check out the REECHAT episode of Reema Malhotra chatting with Suresh Raina here:

The fourth episode of the REECHAT with Reema Malhotra will feature another 2011 World Cup winner and stay tuned for it next Friday, August 14, 2020, at 8 PM IST.