Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina was expected to be picked for the limited overs series on the tour to Sri Lanka. But he was not considered for selection as he failed the ‘Yo-Yo’ fitness test. There has been an increased focus on fitness in the Indian team and thus, there was no compromise done in the selection process.
Despite missing out on a place in the Indian side, Suresh Raina doesn’t feel disappointed. He reckons that he has corrected the mistakes he was doing and is ready to execute that now. He also said he is ready to pounce on any opportunity he gets in the future.
“I’m not disappointed at all. I’m just looking to enjoy the process. When you achieve success, there is no shortcut you can take. My time will come. I have been working really hard. I’m enjoying my game. That’s what is in my control. I’m not thinking about what others are doing. My job is to practice and work hard. Whenever I get an opportunity, I will be looking to grab it with both hands,” said Raina.
“I don’t want to sit back and rest on what I have done in the past. It’s important to live in the present and look forward. I have corrected the mistakes which I was committing. It’s time now to execute them on the field,” he added.
Every game is important
Raina will play for Uttar Pradesh in the Buchi Babu tournament and also lead the India Blue side in the Duleep Trophy next month. He reckons every single game from now on will be crucial.
“Every game, every session from now on is important. Everything I am doing is with full enjoyment. I will be playing the games here on 2nd & 3rd and 5th & 6th. After that, I will go for the Duleep trophy,” Raina added.
“In the middle order, you need more games and more time to settle down. Most of the time, you just have 15-odd overs to bat. You need to be given a few series and then see what you can do. Middle order is one place where you can’t experiment too much. You need to able to assess the situation and finish games. It is very important to know your strengths and know your game for success,” the southpaw added.
Talking about MS Dhoni’s recent performances in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, he said, “Dhoni has been batting really well. He is looking very calm and working really hard. Around Virat Kohli, he can definitely share his experience. He has made a seamless transition.”
