Suresh Raina recently shed light on Indias historic cricket rivalry with Pakistan. Recalling his playing days he emphasized the intense drive to outmatch the Men in Green and secure victory on the pitch.
India and Pakistan are all set to battle it out in the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The highlyawaited showdown is scheduled to grace the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.
Suresh Raina praised India’s chances in the ICC tournament, particularly skipper Rohit Sharma. He made these remarks during a media briefing during the World Championship of Leagues’ inaugural ceremony.
Raina said:
“Our team looked very good. They are going to play against Pakistan in New York. Rohit led the team really, really well. He has been amazing with his planning and he is getting a lot of respect from the dressing room. We have a lot of options. We have two all-rounders.”
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina added:
“We played a lot of matches, Yuvraj Singh, RP, Rahul, against Pakistan. When you are representing your country, you try to give your best. I am really looking forward to playing against Pakistan in England. We played lot of matches together. We have retired from the sport, but not from the heart. When you see the tricolour, you feel Jee Jaan lagaadenge lekin inse nahi haarenge [ we will give it our all but not lose to them].”
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina will be in action at the next World Championship of Leagues. The event will include former cricketers from India, Pakistan, the West Indies, South Africa, England, and Australia.
“Shivam Dube can be the X-factor for India to win the World Cup” – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina personally foresees Shivam Dube as a key figure in Indias lineup at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Raina asserts that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart should secure a spot in the playing XI due to his exceptional X-factor contribution.
He also stated that Rohit Sharma will have to pick who will be his opening partner in the main event. Suresh Raina added:
“He has to play in the World Cup. See, the ability to stand still while hitting those big sixes is very rare. Shivam Dube can be the x-factor for India to win the World Cup. So Rohit will have to take the call whether he wants to play Virat (Kohli) up the top, but then Yashasvi is also batting with a different kind of flair. If the situation arises, Shivam can also bowl for the side.”
Suresh Raina
India under the leadership of Rohit Sharma will begin their journey in the 2024 T20 World Cup by facing Ireland in New York on June 5. A warmup encounter against Bangladesh is also on the agenda for June 1.