Suresh Raina burst onto the international cricket scene, leaving an indelible mark. Born on 27 November 1986, he emerged as a formidable force in Indian cricket.
Remarkably, Raina captained India at a young age, showcasing his leadership skills. He shone brightly for Uttar Pradesh in domestic games, displaying versatility and skill.
As a left-handed batsman, Raina’s aggressive style impressed many. Additionally, his off-spin bowling added to his allure.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Pioneering T20 Player: First Indian to score over 6000 and 8000 T20 runs.
- IPL Stalwart: First to reach 5,000 runs and most catches (107) in the IPL.
- CLT20 Dominance: Highest run-scorer and most fifties in CLT20 history.
- Leadership Role: Captained Indian national team and IPL teams.
- World Cup Winner: Integral in India's 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy victories.
- Retirement: Announced retirement from all forms of cricket by September 2022.
- Beyond Cricket: Honored with an honorary doctorate and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures like opening a restaurant.
Notably, Raina led Gujarat Lions in the IPL and served as Chennai Super Kings‘ vice-captain. Impressively, he became the first Indian to score a century across all international cricket formats.
Raina’s achievements include winning the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
His historic century in the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against South Africa remains unforgettable. However, Raina announced his international retirement on 15 August 2020.
Following personal reasons, he withdrew from the 2020 IPL season. Finally, on 6 September 2022, Raina retired from all cricket forms, closing a remarkable chapter in sports history.
Suresh Raina: Early Life & Personal Life
Born into a Kashmiri Pandit family, Suresh Kumar Raina’s journey began in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, on 27 November 1986. His parents hailed from Rainawari, Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir.
Raina grew up in Ghaziabad’s Rajnagar, with his older brother Dinesh. He honed his skills in a boarding school, laying the foundation for future success.
Raina’s father, Trilokchand, a military officer, steered the family from Jammu and Kashmir during the turbulent 1990s. They found solace in Muradnagar.
By 1998, Raina was training at the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow. Among his siblings, he shares a bond with his sister and an elder brother in the Indian Army.
On a personal front, Raina married Priyanka on 3 April 2015. The couple cherishes the joy of parenting two children.
Tragedy struck when Raina’s uncle, Ashok Kumar, fell victim to a robbery in Punjab, leading Raina to exit the 2020 IPL season to support his family.
Raina’s achievements extend beyond the pitch. Vels University honored him with an honorary doctorate on 5 August 2022. Soon, Raina will unveil another dream – his own Indian restaurant in Amsterdam.
This grand opening, set for 12 July 2023, promises to deliver authentic Indian flavors to a global audience.
Suresh Raina: The Rising Star of Domestic Cricket
In 2000, a young Suresh Raina left Muradnagar for Lucknow, driven by cricket dreams. There, he attended Guru Gobind Singh Sports College.
Soon, he led Uttar Pradesh’s U-16 team, catching selectors’ eyes. By 15, Raina joined the U-19 tour to England, where he scored impressive half-centuries.
Raina debuted in the Ranji Trophy at 16, representing Uttar Pradesh against Assam in 2003. His List A debut came two years later against Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
His journey saw him play for multiple teams, including India Green and Central Zone. In the 2005-06 Ranji season, he amassed 620 runs in just 6 games. However, 2018 brought a change, with Akshdeep Nath replacing him as Uttar Pradesh’s captain.
Raina’s U-19 career included a Pakistan tour and the 2004 World Cup, where he hit three half-centuries. His talent earned him a training stint at the Australian Cricket Academy.
In 2005, he made his mark in first-class limited overs cricket, scoring 645 runs at an average of 53.75.
Suresh Raina: A Dazzling Force in the Indian Premier League
Before the IPL 2010 finals, the BCCI named Raina “best fielder.” His vital half-century in the final led Chennai to victory against Mumbai Indians.
His 2010 performance earned him a spot in the ESPNcricinfo IPL XI. Similarly, his 2013 feats placed him in the ESPNcricinfo CLT20 XI.
On 30 May 2014, Raina blazed 87 runs off 25 balls against Kings XI Punjab. This near-record-breaking performance earned him accolades in both IPL and CLT20 XI for 2014.
In 2016, the suspended CSK led Raina to Gujarat Lions, where he captained and scored 399 runs in 15 innings.
Raina’s IPL journey includes a milestone in the 2019 season opener against RCB, where he became the first to score 5000 IPL runs. In 2020, the pandemic shifted IPL to UAE, but Raina withdrew for personal reasons.
2021 marked his 200th IPL match, joining an elite group of players. However, he went unsold in the 2022 auctions and shifted to commentating.
Suresh Raina’s Global Franchise Cricket Ventures
September 2022 saw Raina sign with the Road Safety World Series, playing for the ‘Indian Legends’ team. In 2023, he captained Urbanrisers Hyderabad in Legends League Cricket, leading them to the finals.
A Fielding Maestro’s Global Impact
Suresh Raina’s international career reads like a tale of resilience and skill. He stood out as a top-tier fielder, often playing in the middle order with flair. Let’s journey through his career highlights:
- World Cup Heroics (2011): In the semi-final, Raina’s unbeaten 36 runs were crucial to India’s score of 260. This inning was a testament to his determination.
- Tough Times in England (2011): Despite scoring a half-century at Lord’s, Raina faced challenges in England. Struggling with short bowling, he recorded a 29-ball duck, a record for India in Tests.
- Comeback King in Sri Lanka (2012): After a shaky start, Raina roared back with a 65 off 45 balls in the third ODI. This performance, earning him the man of the match, led India to a five-wicket victory.
- A Brief Setback: Post Sri Lanka tour, Raina was replaced by Yuvraj Singh in the team, marking a temporary setback in his career.
- Recognition at T20 World Cup (2012): The ICC named him as the 12th man in the ‘Team of the Tournament’, acknowledging his fielding prowess.
- Memorable Century Against England (2012-13): His 100 at Cardiff was shortlisted by ESPNcricinfo as one of the year’s best ODI batting performances.
- Missing the USA Tour: Raina wasn’t part of India’s inaugural tour to the USA but bounced back into the ODI team against New Zealand, only to be sidelined by illness.
- Leading in the West Indies (2011): With senior players resting, Raina assumed the deputy role and eventually led the team due to injuries.
- Bangladesh Series Victory (2014): Under Raina’s captaincy, India clinched a 2–0 series win, even defending a low total of 105 in one match.
- T20 Comeback (2018): His domestic performance, especially in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, paved his return to the T20 side against South Africa.
- Deodhar Trophy Inclusion (2018): Raina was selected for India C in the 2018-19 Deodhar Trophy.
- Retirement Announcement (2020): Raina announced his retirement on Instagram, choosing to join MS Dhoni in his journey away from international cricket.
Each of these moments reflects Raina’s undying spirit and his incredible journey in the sport. His retirement post, filled with gratitude and pride, marked the end of an era in Indian cricket.
Suresh Raina: A Chronicle of Cricket Milestones
- Suresh Raina set a remarkable record as the first Indian to score over 6000 and 8000 runs in Twenty20.
- He uniquely achieved a century in both International T20 and the Champions League Twenty20.
- Impressively, Raina became the first cricketer to amass 5,000 runs in the IPL.
- In the IPL, he astonishingly holds the record for the most catches, totaling 107.
- Following Chris Gayle, Raina was the second and the first Indian to hit 100 sixes in the IPL.
- He proudly stands as the highest run-scorer in CLT20 history with 842 runs.
- Remarkably, Raina holds the record for the most fifties in Champions League T20, achieving six.
- Finally, he made history by scoring the most runs in an IPL match’s powerplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some notable achievements of Suresh Raina in T20 cricket?
Suresh Raina was the first Indian player to score over 6000 and 8000 runs in T20 cricket. He also holds the unique achievement of scoring a century in both International T20 and the Champions League Twenty20.
How did Suresh Raina perform in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
Raina excelled in the IPL, becoming the first cricketer to score 5,000 runs in the league and holding the record for the most catches at 107. He also was the second player, after Chris Gayle, to hit 100 sixes in the IPL.
What are Raina's contributions in the Champions League T20 (CLT20)?
In the CLT20, Raina is the highest run-scorer with 842 runs and has the most fifties in the tournament’s history, totaling six.
When did Suresh Raina announce his retirement from international cricket?
Suresh Raina announced his retirement from international cricket on 15 August 2020 and subsequently retired from all forms of cricket, including domestic and IPL, on 6 September 2022.
