WATCH: Suresh Raina takes a blinder in Ranji Trophy

Suresh Raina takes a blinder in Ranji Trophy: Playing for Uttar Pradesh, axed India batsman took a sharp catch at first slip.

During the second round of the ongoing season of the Ranji Trophy, axed India batsman Suresh Raina was seen taking an exceptional catch at first slip to dismiss Odisha’s Sujit Lenka (46) at Bhubaneswar.

After winning the toss, Uttar Pradesh captain Akshdeep Nath put in the hosts to bat. UP’s bowlers stood tall on their captain’s decision, dismissing the opposition on 256 in 68.1 overs.

Odisha’s Subranshu Senapati, who came in to bat at No. 4 for his team, top-scored with 87 (136). His innings comprised of 14 fours. With bowling figures of 16-3-61-3, Ankit Rajpoot was the pick of UP’s bowlers.

Usually a brilliant fielder, Raina once again proved as to why he is rated so highly in the field. It happened on the last delivery of the 67th over when Lenka’s attempt to defend left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar’s delivery saw him edging the ball low down to the left of Raina.

Initially surprised at the sharp edge, the 31-year old southpaw did exceptionally well to get low down, catching the ball with only one hand. Watch the full video below:

 

Despite taking a breathtaking catch, Raina failed to make a mark with the bat in hand. Coming in to bat at 3-52 in the 23rd over, Raina ended up scoring 10 (26) with the help of one four.

Raina last played for India during the limited-overs leg of India’s tour of England earlier this year. His inconsistent run saw him facing the axe from the Indian team.

Having scored three half-centuries in six matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Raina scored four runs in three matches during the Deodhar Trophy, something which highlights his inconsistency in the recent times.

Read some on the latest Twitter reactions on Raina below: