Suresh Raina expresses disappointment at ODI snub: The axed Indian all-rounder disclosed that he wasn’t expecting to get dropped.
One of the vital members of India’s middle-order for several years, Suresh Raina now finds himself out of the Indian squads across formats. The 32-year old southpaw had last played at the highest level during India’s tour of England last year.
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A crucial part of the Indian batting division in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Raina had scored 284 runs in eight matches at an average of 56.80 and a strike rate of 110.07, including a century and a couple of half-centuries. Since the 2015 World Cup, Raina has only played 11 ODIs, scoring 227 runs at an average of 22.70 and a strike rate of 87.98.
Coming on the back of a successful World Cup, Raina was the third-highest run-scorer for India in the subsequent series against Bangladesh. Scores of 3, 0, 0, 53 and 12 in the five-match home series against South Africa saw Raina being dropped from the ODI team.
Below par form in domestic cricket in accordance with injuries saw Raina not playing for India in ODIs for more than three years. When he did make it to the team for England tour, scores of 46 and 1 saw him being dropped for the ensuing Asia Cup.
“Not expecting to be dropped”
In a recent exclusive interview with Times Now, Raina disclosed that getting dropped was unexpected by him. Highlighting his performance, Raina mentioned that he even got limited matches upon his comeback.
“Definitely [felt disappointed]. I was surely not expecting to be dropped because I got limited matches to play and during those matches, I did fairly well. But you know, you can’t really blame anyone for these things. I work hard, focus on my form & fitness every day. I am continuing to do my job,” Raina was quoted as saying.
Difficult road ahead for Raina
A season each of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Indian Premier League is all that Raina has to press his case for a spot in the Indian squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
“Who wouldn’t want to lift the World Cup twice,” Raina said when asked about is he sees his experience helping the Indian team during the World Cup. The current scenario might be against the southpaw but he would be desperate to put his best foot forward in the upcoming two T20 tournaments.
