There are two cricketers who answer to the name Suresh Raina. The first is outfitted in the Test cricket attire, all in white. This guy seems nervous, tentative and low on confidence. The other guy who we usually see in ODI cricket uniform is lethal, self-motivated and supremely energetic. How the twain meets within the same man, is truly baffling. More curious still are the reasons that cause such a split in sporting personality for the enigma that is Suresh Raina.
Over the years, he has earned the reputation of not having a proper technique against short-pitched deliveries but in coloured clothing, the same Raina is different. He pulls, hooks and plays square of the wicket at ease as though he’s never had any problem with his batting technique against short balls before. He is what they call a classic example of how “cricket is played in the mind”.
In India’s first World Cup game against Pakistan, in Adelaide, when Raina walked into the field to join Virat Kohli, not many anticipated what Raina could do. Not only did he take charge of centre stage, but also put all his experience to good use. He dealt with the Pakistani bowling attack skilfully and eventually decimated the arch-rivals with utter disdain.
Apparently, he was sent in to add momentum to India’s scoreboard. But the precision with which he executed his game plan was a treat to eyes. What an achievement! However, it was easier said than done. Initially, he took some deliveries to settle in and thereafter he played some breath-taking shots and sent the Pakistanis on a leather hunt. Later on, he was a live wire on the field and also took some important catches for his team.
Now it’s emerging that this knock has given him immense self-confidence to do well in the days to come when India play a few tough opponents, among them South Africa. Being a senior member in the team, he has also set great examples before some of the less experienced players. If he can continue this good work, the emergence of the go-getter Raina in Test cricket could happen sooner than later.
Interestingly, Raina’s story is somewhat like that of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who was also susceptible to short pitch deliveries. But in the end Ganguly could adapt his ODI approach to Test cricket and went on to play more than 100 Test matches for India. The Indian cricket establishment backs Raina with good reason. After all her is the most accomplished middle-order batsman in contemporary ODI cricket, and a good World Cup in Australia will give a fillip to his Test berth.
