Suresh Raina's chances of making a comeback are bleak says a former Ranji coach

Suresh Raina was not only a regular member of the Indian team but a match-winner in the limited-overs format. He was always an important part of the team strategies when former skipper MS Dhoni was at the helm since he is a brilliant fielder and also gave him the option as a part-time spinner.

He was one of those lower middle order batters who could change the game within the span of two overs. Showing his skills during the recent T20I series against England, Raina surely has not lost his touch. Hitting a wonderful half century and an all-important 36 runs knock, the southpaw was back in business after a stint on the sidelines.

However, Raina has been excluded from the 32-player list of centrally contracted players by the BCCI. Raina had a Grade B contract and was a regular in the limited-overs team. His exclusion was a surprise to everyone but the reason for it was revealed by one of the former UP Ranji coaches. Soon after coming back from World T20 the Indian star got married and a year later was blessed with a daughter.

The Ranji Coach was talking to Mid-Day about the same and did not want to reveal his identity. He said that the southpaw’s priorities have changed and he has become a family man. Raina decided against playing the Mushtaq Ali trophy and played just three matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The Coach said, “His priorities have changed after he became a family man. I have noticed that he has not been concentrating on his game. He has become a reluctant cricketer. He just played three Ranji matches for UP this season and didn’t turn out for Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare tournaments.”

The coach was also of the opinion that his chances of making a comeback to the Indian Test or the ODI team are weak. With so many youngsters waiting for a chance Raina can only eye the T20 side. “With so many youngsters on the horizon, his chances of a comeback into Indian Test or ODI teams are bleak. He can still eye the T20s, but it will depend a lot on his IPL form where he will lead Gujarat Lions again,” he said.