Twitter overjoyed as Suresh Raina bats at number 3 for India

India is currently playing the first of the three-match T20 International series against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The skipper of the hosts won the toss and invited India to bat first on a flat track. Much to the joy of the Indian fans, Suresh Raina was straightaway slotted back into the playing XI for the series. However, Twitterati was more impressed when he was sent to bat at number 3 ahead of the skipper Virat Kohli.

Raina is making a comeback to the national side after a long gap of more than 12 months. He last played for India in the same format against England at home in January last year. But he strived hard and scored runs in the domestic T20 tournament which led to his inclusion in the team again. Raina would want to make the most of this opportunity and also come back in ODI side.

Raina scores only 15

The Men in Blue started off in a grand fashion as Rohit Sharma took on the short bowling ploy of the opening bowlers from South Africa. However, he was trapped in the same manner off the debutant Junior Dala which brought in Suresh Raina which surprised everyone. The left-hander started off in style and looked in the mood to get a big score. He smacked a huge six and a couple of impressive fours during his stay and raced to 15 off 6 deliveries.

But he played too many shots and top-edged the full length from Dala in the fourth over. He was disappointed after being dismissed but it seemed that it was the plan from the team management to send him at the top in order to tonk the ball. Raina has to bank on these opportunities and make a big score in these series to cement his position in the side.

Though Twitterati was delighted to see him batting in India colours at the top of the order and hoped that he makes the most of the chance.

Here’s how they reacted

In 51 innings, only 5 times Kohli has batted at 4 or lower in T20i for India. He's done Raina a huge favour. #SAvIND

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 18, 2018

With the kind of destructive form that Kohli is in, he could have easily walked in at 3 and thethified another 75+ score, nobody would have battled an eyelid. But instead, gives the comeback man Raina his most comfortable position at 3, comes in to bat at 4. Gracious & classy!

— Srini Mama ? (@SriniMama16) February 18, 2018

Suresh Raina at number three and what a lovely move from Kohli… He pays back with the six of short ball.

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) February 18, 2018

Very interesting. Raina at the number that made him such a star at #CSK. Would still have liked Kohli there

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 18, 2018

Rohit out because he wants Raina to run and secure his position in team.. such a legend

— Bhai_Saheb (@Bhai_Saaheb) February 18, 2018

Raina at no.3… Surprising move… one that has implications for 2019 World Cup plans as well as India's whole T20 batting strategy. #SAvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) February 18, 2018

what a comeback for suresh raina. trending at number one! #SAvIND

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) February 18, 2018

Raina at number 3…going thrgh Soda Bottle effect…Relax and settle down first. Virat has done smthng brave n good for Raina @indiatvnews @imVkohli @RaviShastriOfc

— Samip Rajguru (@samiprajguru) February 18, 2018

Quite fascinating to note how a decent short pitched ball is a threat to a batsman based on how aggressive a field is. A short pitched ball to Raina in T20 is unlike a short pitched ball to him in tests. #SAvIND

— RK (@RK_sports) February 18, 2018

Raina batting at 3 ahead of Kohli is a clear sign of wanting to give him as many opportunities as possible and that they firmly want him in their plans for the World Cup, isn't it? @IndianMourinho

— Abbotabad First Change Seamer (@TenniceFan) February 18, 2018