‘You're talking about an ICC trophy but he hasn't even won an IPL yet’- Suresh Raina on Virat Kohli’s captaincy

Kohli took over as India’s Test captain in December 2014 and became the limited-overs skipper from 2017 onwards.

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Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina
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Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina reckoned that Virat Kohli needs more time to get into his groove as the skipper of the national team. The southpaw backed the 32-year-old Kohli for his achievements for Team India over the years across all formats.

Kohli took over as India’s Test captain in December 2014 and became the limited-overs skipper from 2017 onwards. Virat is also the skipper of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, the Delhi-born has faced the wrath of netizens for not being able to win an IPL trophy and an ICC event for India. Raina, meanwhile, had Kohli’s back, saying that reaching the finals is no mere achievement.

It’s not easy to reach the final: Suresh Raina

“I think he has been the No. 1 captain. His record proves that he has achieved a lot. I think he is the No. 1 batsman in the world. You’re talking about an ICC trophy but he hasn’t even won an IPL yet. I feel that he needs to be given some time.

“There are 2-3 World Cups taking place one after the other – two T20 World Cups and then the 50-over World Cup. It’s not easy to reach the final – sometimes you miss out on a few things,” Raina was quoted as saying to News24 Sports.

Back in June, India lost the final of the World Test Championship against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. India’s batting underwent a massive collapse on the Reserve Day and Kohli’s men lost the match by eight wickets. Kyle Jamieson became the Player of the Match for getting a fifer in the first innings.

Thereafter, the netizens used the ‘C’ word for Kohli and his team. Raina said that having already won three World Cups, India don’t deserve to be given derogatory names.

“See, we are not chokers, because we already have the 1983 World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup the then 50-over World Cup in 2011. We need to understand that players are training hard. With three World Cups approaching, I don’t think anyone will call them chokers,” Raina added.

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