I forget everything when I see my daughter around: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina is out of favor with the Indian selectors. Having been already typecast as a limited overs specialist he wasn’t able to break into the ODI or T20I squads for the recent tours. Raina had a good domestic season leading Uttar Pradesh to the Vijay Hazare Trophy title. He is at the moment leading India Green in the Duleep Trophy that is played with the pink ball for the first time. At a promotional event for the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) on Monday evening, Raina spoke about playing the day/night Duleep Trophy and how fatherhood has made an impact on him.

He has been the best batsman in the Indian Premier League over the years and that has enhanced his reputation as a T20 specialist. So what according to him is key for a T20 player to perform consistently. Raina said, “I think one needs to work really hard and there is no substitute to that. Also, one needs to understand his game well. There are many who would say that all you need is just need one good season to make a mark, but you have to be consistent and play well each season. T20 is a format which requires a player to constantly work hard on his game.”

Raina has also been a live wire on the cricket field and one of the best in the business. What is the secret behind his brilliance on the field? “Fielding is one area where you must expect the ball to come to you all the time. One must relish fielding in order to be good at it. I have always enjoyed my fielding drills and have always looked to improve myself on the field. Be it taking catches or effecting those run-outs, the more you work hard–the better you are going to get.” Raina said.

Talking about the improvements he needs to bring in his batting the southpaw said, “See I come at No 6 in the batting order usually and it’s very difficult. In IPL, I usually bat at the No. 3 and make a lot of runs. I have also won a lot of games for India coming in at No 6.

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“If I get more overs, I feel I can score big like the 90 off 101 deliveries I made for India Green in the second innings against India Red (in the Duleep Trophy match) a few days ago.

“In that innings, I was batting with the tailenders and I was happy to score under lights. I am beginning to find form and hopefully with a lot of Tests coming up this season—I hope to make the (Test) team.”

How has it been playing in the Duleep Trophy under lights? “I think it was a great one. Playing under lights and with the pink ball was a challenge and I am sure the players would get used to it with time. But I believe it’s a good move to have the tournament under lights.” The 29-year old said.

After the success of the IPL there are a list of state domestic T20 leagues coming up around with the TNPL being the latest. How does he think is that helping the game? “It definitely is a fantastic tournament and you would see a few cricketers from TNPL who are going to play in the IPL next year. These tournaments provide a platform for players to showcase their skill set and soak in the pressure of playing in front of a capacity crowd. With the tournament being telecast live–it’s a big plus as youngsters watching will be motivated to take up this sport.”

His wife Priyanka recently gave birth to their daughter Gracia and father Raina has had some time to spend with his little princess. How has being around his daughter changed him? Raina said, “It’s been a surreal experience and I forget everything when I see my daughter around. Her mother (wife Priyanka) does a lot of sacrifices for her and I make sure to be by her side all the time.”

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