I want my daughter to cheer for me: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina, since becoming a father, seems to have learnt new perspectives about cricket. He expressed his desire that he wants his daughter, Gracia to cheer for him in the 2019 World Cup and also believes that she is his biggest motivation in his attempt to improve himself and his game.

Raina missed out on being a part of the Indian limited-overs team for the Sri Lanka tour and reports emerging later suggested that he failed the fitness test and thus wasn’t in contention for a slot in the team. In an interview, the left hander opened up about his personal life. He also explained how his daughter has played an important role in changing his approach towards cricket.

“Two years back, when I was training and all, and my wife was expecting, I was thinking that cricket is all right, but there is so much more to life. I should have fun with my wife. But when I saw my daughter, I thought the other way – cricket is everything,” Raina talked about his daughter’s influence in the interview with Wisden India.

The southpaw has been working hard to come back on the field and stated that his family is the reason for that. “I should be even more serious, so I can make sure her future is good. I told my wife, this is me; I love my daughter, I love you, I love my family, but I love to play for my country. I know I have four-five more years of cricket. She said she would support me whatever I decide,” he added.

The 32-year-old also went on to say that he has become more responsible because of his daughter. He now wants to perform on the field so that he can return home where his daughter will be waiting for him.

Way ahead for Raina

Raina was once again ignored by the selectors for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka. Later it was revealed that he was failed in the yo-yo endurance test which tests the fitness of the players. Though it looks tough for him to make a comeback to the national squad, the possibility cannot be denied. The way Raina is training in recent times it looks like he is determined to do so.