Virat has showed that faith in me in the last two games: Suresh Raina

Team India has clearly held an upper hand over the Proteas in the limited-overs leg of the ongoing tour. But it is huge mistake to presume the outcome of a T20 game based on anything including form. While India won the first T20I with some authority the South African team made a remarkable comeback in Centurion to level things at 1-1. The focus now shifts back to Cape Town where they will be playing the final T20I on February 24.

The Indian selectors brought in a few T20 specialists for the three-match series and one among them is Suresh Raina. He had been out of favour for quite a bit but impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him a spot back in the national side. He has repaid the faith with two smashing cameos.

We need to do well to win

Ahead of the series decider, Raina expects it to be an evenly fought contest. “We have to finish really well,” he was quoted as saying by BCCI.tv.

He talked about skipper Virat Kohli’s trait where he doesn’t let the intensity drop at any point in a series. “Our captain Virat Kohli is such that he doesn’t take anything for granted and that will be our approach in the final. Inputs have been given to everyone in the team by the team management and we need to go out there and enjoy ourselves. We need to do well in all the departments tomorrow and we will look for a win,” Raina added.

South African batsmen showed a lot of character to chase down 189 especially Heinrich Klaasen and captain JP Duminy scored half centuries and the latter stood there till the end to take his team home.

“They played really well in the previous game. JP Duminy took up the responsibility and finished well for the side. Klassen was great too, but the dew made a lot of difference. We know what we have to do and have our plans in place. It is going to be an exciting game tomorrow. Hopefully we can enjoy ourselves and get the trophy home,” the southpaw further said.

Virat has shown a lot of faith in me

The thinking in the Indian camp is pretty clear, they want to make the most of the fielding restrictions, get the team off to a flying start in the power play to ensure they have a platform for a big total. Raina who has been promoted ahead of the skipper himself got going from the very first ball and has only progressed in the two innings.

“Virat has showed that faith in me in the last two games and we have been able to dominate their bowlers in the first six overs. In T20Is it is really important to start well. You have to play your shots at the top of the order. The first six overs are crucial. When you have batting depth in the middle-order, you need to take your chance. I have been asked to play my natural game and will continue to look to give good starts for the team.”

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