New Delhi: Five years ago on this day, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina bid farewell to international cricket.
A key member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, Raina enjoyed a 13-year international career, featuring in 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is.
ODIs proved to be his most successful format, where he scored 5,615 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 93.50, including five centuries and 36 fifties. In T20Is, he amassed 1,605 runs and became the first Indian to score hundreds in all three formats, achieving the feat with centuries outside India. He also scored a century on his Test debut.
In the IPL, Raina was a consistent performer, collecting 5,528 runs in 205 matches with 39 half-centuries and a century at a strike rate of 136.76. Known for his aggressive left-handed batting and electric fielding inside the circle, he embodied the new-age Indian cricketer.
Synonymous with Chennai Super Kings, Raina’s bond with Dhoni earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Chinna Thala’ (junior leader) to Dhoni’s ‘Thala’.
Coincidentally, Dhoni too announced his retirement from international cricket on the same day. As captain, he led India to the inaugural T20 World Cup title in 2007, ended the nation’s long wait for an ODI World Cup in 2011, and claimed the Champions Trophy in 2013.
Across formats, Dhoni registered 17,266 runs, effected 829 dismissals, and represented India in 538 matches — firmly etching his name in cricket history.
