‘Berth in XI is my first priority’ |
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Saturday April 12, 01:18 AM
Chennai, April 11: Suresh Raina, Indian cricket’s nearly man, is hoping the IPL will give him the big break that will make him a regular again in Team India. Just back from injury, Raina did not get a game in Australia and he knows it’s not going to be an easy ride back into the big time.
"I have got back to the squad but reserving a place for myself in the XI is another matter altogether. It will require lot of hard work. I am prepared to wait and take my chance whenever it comes. The key is to be prepared for the tougher battles ahead," said Raina to this newspaper on the sidelines of the Chennai Super Kings’ conditioning camp here.
For a busy batsman who has a game built for the shorter version, Raina notes Twenty20 cricket will be equally tough on batsmen as it is for bowlers. "You have to get going from ball one. There is no time to relax or build an innings. One must have the shots to accelerate from the beginning. Power does come in handy in this format."
A sharp fielder and quick mover, Raina has the skill sets to be an asset in the shortest format. Raina is happy that he is amongst a bunch of young players from Tamil Nadu who are also quick and aggressive in the field.
"It’s a young and athletic side, in Abhinav Mukund and N. Einstein we have two players who have tasted World Cup success in Malaysia. The fielding drills we underwent in the last two days proved what a fabulous fielding unit we can be. I can see things only getting better once the foreign players and captain Dhoni joining in with their valuable inputs," he said.
The IPL presents Raina a wonderful opportunity to prove he has lost none of his touch during his rehabilitation. He is also working extensively on his bowling and it should come as no surprise if he contributes in all departments for the Super Kings.
"I spent quality time with coach Kepler Wessels. He guided me on what I should do with my bowling. I am working on bowling at a faster clip and also to land deliveries in the blockhole consistently. I bowled a bit in the Ranji and Duleep Trophy this year and I am confident of chipping in with the ball too," noted Raina.
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