Rohit Sharma, India’s ODI & T20I vice-captain, on Tuesday, expressed his wish of seeing middle-order batsman Suresh Raina back in the national colours. He also expressed hopes of seeing former captain MS Dhoni again in international cricket.
Rohit Sharma was interacting with Raina in an Instagram live session when the pair spoke on a variety of topics ranging from the latter’s injury to MS Dhoni’s return to international cricket.
Rohit revealed about the conversations within the squad that Raina deserved a place in the national team considering his all-rounder skills and experience.
“I know it is very tough to be out of the team after playing for so many years. We used to talk that we should have Raina in the team in some way. You have the experience and ability with bowling and fielding.
“I feel that we have seen you play for such a long time, somewhere I feel that somehow or the other you should be back in the team. But then we will see, we make do with what we have in our hands,” Rohit Sharma told Raina in the live session.
Thala Dhoni in #yellove, dot. #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 VC: @SaakshiSRawat pic.twitter.com/z4FrGumlxC
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 11, 2020
Chennai Super Kings batsman Suresh Raina further said that he too remains hopeful of making a national comeback.
“I had an injury and a surgery which was a big reason why I lost my place. I still have a lot of cricket left in me. Selection is not in our hands, performances are. I have always enjoyed my cricket and the big players always backed us when we were young. So that is what we need, someone to support us and show the way.”
Speaking on Dhoni’s return, Raina said that the 38-year-old was batting well during the practice sessions that CSK held before the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I saw him and he was batting so well, he is fit. Only he knows what he is planning but as far as his skills go he was good. Now that the lockdown is here, I don’t really know what his plans are. He has a lot of cricket in him and he was batting so well there,” Raina revealed.
“If that is the case, he should play. I hope he starts playing again,” Rohit said.
“Yes but only he knows, whenever he becomes available people should ask him what his plans are,” Raina added.
