Suresh Raina hopes for personal milestones: The axed Indian batsman opened up on the 12th season of the Indian Premier League.
Suresh Raina might be finding it hard to find a place in India’s limited-overs side. However, there is a team which will never question the ability of its vice-captain. Playing his 10th season for the Chennai Super Kings, Raina has expressed delight in returning to the den this year.
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“I am glad we are back to Chennai as home. We only played one game here last year. I’m looking forward to playing more games in Chennai and give the fans a lot to cheer about,” Raina was quoted as saying by Circle of Cricket.
Talking about the decade-long relation with the franchise, the southpaw claimed that he gets freedom to play his natural game at CSK.
“I have been playing for CSK in the IPL for so many years, as a player I think when I get the freedom to play my natural game – as is the case when I play for CSK – records are a by-product,” Raina said.
In 15 IPL matches last year, Raina ended up scoring 445 runs at an average of 37.08 and a strike rate of 132.44. Reflecting on Super Kings’ third title victory last year, Raina praised how the team played as a unit.
“If you see about CSK, last year we played really well as a team, as a unit while winning the title. The team hasn’t changed much this year. As a team, all the players look to be part of winning ways and we cherish each other’s success. I hope to achieve the personal milestones in Chennai in the upcoming season,” Raina further said.
“I love Chennai”
There is no hiding to the fact that Chennai Super Kings is one of the most followed IPL franchises. Expressing his love for Chennai and the franchise, Raina mentioned that the team belongs to the fans.
“I love Chennai, I love Tamil Nadu. We have a lot of fans here. I think this team belongs to the fans. The management has been just great with the players, with the support staff. We have been given the freedom to go to the ground and express ourselves. The focus is to entertain the crowd and win matches,” Raina added.
Before concluding, Raina laid emphasis on adjusting to the conditions in Chennai. With the IPL happening for the first time in March in India, the 32-yer old also hoped for the players to get used to the weather.
“It helps to get used to the conditions, get used to the weather. This is the first time we are playing the IPL in March.
“I think the team members have shown good form in their respective international and domestic commitments and that augurs well for the team. We require to adjust quickly to Chennai conditions,” he stated.
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