Just two years back, Suresh Raina was an integral part of team India in almost all three formats. Under the captaincy of his close friend MS Dhoni, he was like a second most influential player in the team. And there were no doubts and his ability as one of the best allround cricketer in the world, especially in the shorter formats.
But now, he seems to have completely lost his plot, as he couldn’t find a place even in the list of centrally contracted players of BCCI, as the board excluded him.
So, what is the reason behind Raina downfall? One of the UP Ranji coach revealed to the leading English daily of the country the real reason behind it.
“after getting married in 2015, and as now he is also become a father, Suresh Raina’s prioritieshas changed. Now he seems a reluctant cricketer. This season itself, he skipped domestic t20 and one day tournaments and played just three Ranji trophy matches” the coach said.
If it is right, then we can assume it might be the end of Suresh Raina’s career. There are plenty of younger players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, who are pushing for permanent place in the all three formats. Obviously, with this kind of attitude towards game, it would be difficult for Raina to find a place in any format.
The coach, who revealed the story, thinks the same way. The coach was also of the opinion that his chances of making a comeback to the Indian Test or the ODI team are weak. With so many youngsters waiting for a chance Raina can only eye the T20 side. “With so many youngsters on the horizon, his chances of a comeback into Indian Test or ODI teams are bleak. He can still eye the T20s, but it will depend a lot on his IPL form where he will lead Gujarat Lions again,” he said.
