'I had multiple surgeries, setbacks & moments when I felt this is it' - Suresh Raina shares official statement after retiring

The nation was struck with two major blows on 15th August as MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina announced their decision to bid adieu to international cricket. It was Dhoni who first announced the news of his international retirement. Following him, Raina also shared that he has decided to accompany Dhoni in the path of retirement.

After being sidelined from the national side, Raina was struggling to get back into the India set-up. His last appearance for India was in 2018 against England. Raina, an integral part of the CSK squad, shared an official statement, a day after announcing his international retirement.

Highlighting his passion for the game, Raina stated how he started off from a small town and eventually paved his way into the Indian side. He also thanked his parents, wife Priyanka and children Gracia and Rio for standing by his side and supporting him through his thick and thin.

All I have known is cricket, all I have done is cricket: Suresh Raina

“With a lot of mixed feelings, I’m able to make this announcement of my retirement. From a very young age, I as a small boy had literally lived Cricket on every street, gali and nukkad of my small town before making it to the Indian team.

All I have known is cricket, all I have done is cricket & it runs through my veins. There hasn’t been a single day without counting my blessings & without acknowledging everything I have received from god & my people who showered nothing but love on me.

It’s been an incredible ride and it would not have been possible without everyone who supported me during my ups and downs. This journey could not have been possible without the unflinching support and sacrifices of my parents, my loving wife Priyanka, my children Gracia and Rio, my brothers, my sister and all members of our family. This is all you,” shared Raina.

Along with his family, Raina also thanked his teammates including stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli. Raina especially thanked MS Dhoni for guiding him as a friend and mentor. Lastly, Raina bowed to his fans for supporting and loving him unconditionally during the course of his international journey.

“My boys in BLUE, nothing would have been possible without the support of the wonderful India Team in blue. I had the pleasure of playing with the best of the very best players and all of them played for Team India. I feel lucky to have played under the captaincy of some of the best minds in the game Rahul Bhai, Anil Bhai, Sachin Paaji, Chiku and especially with @mahi7781 for guiding me as a friend and mentor,” added Raina.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone who supported me in playing International Cricket at the highest level. I’ll always be filled with nothing but gratitude Forever, Team India. Jai Hind,” concluded Raina.

After breaking into the national side in 2005, Raina went on to play 19 Tests and 226 ODIs, amassing 768 and 5615 runs respectively. He was the first Indian batsman to hit a century in all three formats of international cricket. Raina was also a part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, led by Dhoni.

Here’s his official statement:

🇮🇳❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/gMOpauu2pE

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 16, 2020