Suresh Raina starts the season with a low score

India discard Suresh Raina began the domestic season on a poor note as he managed to score just 16 in the All India Buchi Babu Invitation organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The 30-year old is leading the Uttar Pradesh side in the prestigious tournament and batted at No. 4 in the tournament opener.

Though his side won the game by 54 runs, Raina would be left disappointed as it was a perfect opportunity to spend time in the middle before the Duleep Trophy kicks off on Thursday. He gave a return catch on his 14th ball after coming out to bat when his team was placed at 71 for 2. Raina is set to lead the India Blue side who will play their first game against India Red in Kanpur from September 13.

Raina still in fray for India comeback

The southpaw is doing all he can do to stage a comeback in the Indian middle order. He was in the frame for a selection but was later omitted as he failed to clear the ‘Yo-Yo’ test. A veteran of 223 ODIs, Raina has expressed his desire to be a part of the squad for the 2019 World Cup. His recent performances in the IPL were impressive but the selectors have repeatedly ignored him. The closest he came to be selected for the ODIs was when he was included in the list of standbys for the ICC Champions Trophy in June. His last ODI appearance came almost two years ago in October 2015.

That Raina finds himself leading one of the three teams in the Duleep Trophy is a positive indication by the selectors. He needs to utilize this opportunity and score loads of runs in the tournament if he wants to add to his ODI tally of 5568 runs. The middle order batsman made his India debut in 2005 and was the first Indian player to make centuries across all formats for the country.