Why Suresh Raina is the selector’s favourite

A member of the Indian team management tells why Suresh Raina is the selector’s favourite and keeps getting picked time and again.

There was time when Suresh Raina was almost out of contention for a place in the Indian squad following a grim run in domestic cricket. Raina had a string of low scores to show and many considered his International cricket career to be over.

Moreover, the southpaw failed to qualify the Yo-Yo Test which is the benchmark for fitness before getting into the Indian Team. However, in no time, the left hander worked hard and gained a spot back in the Indian team.

Also Read: Explained: What is the Yo-Yo Test

Suresh Raina made a comeback to International Cricket on India’s tour of South Africa. Although he could not come up with any extraordinary performance, he did enough to keep the selectors interested.

In the recently concluded IPL, Raina played well and was responsible for keeping the Chennai innings together. The factor that goes in his favour is that he is a handy bowler as well and gives a bowling option in the top 6 which India is lacking till now.

After Ambati Rayudu failed to pass the Yo-Yo Test, Raina has been named as his replacement. As reported by Cricketnext, a member of the team management said, “See, with someone as experienced as Raina, it is all about keeping fit and staying in shape. You don’t teach someone who has played over 200 ODIs how to bat at the international level. The upcoming T20Is against Ireland will be a good test for him now that he has proven his fitness.”

If he can show form and fitness, he could well be a vital part of the World Cup squad. You cannot buy experience that someone like Raina brings into the set-up,” he added.