'He has to find a way to counter it' - Deep Dasgupta and Ian Bishop analyze Suresh Raina's problems with the short ball

Suresh Raina and the short-pitched delivery have always had an uneasy relationship. In spite of playing professional cricket for over a decade and a half, Raina has never been able to counter the short ball in a convincing manner.

And, Raina’s run in the second leg of the IPL started in disastrous fashion and he was dismissed by Trent Boult for just 4 runs against the Mumbai Indians. The left-hander swung wildly at the delivery that was pitched outside leg stump, the ball took the outside half of his bat, and the fielder at point completed a sitter.

And now, former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has dissected Raina’s issues against short-pitched stuff. Dasgupta opined that Raina has never been comfortable against short-pitched bowling, and in recent times, his struggles have become very evident. Dasgupta added that Raina should find a way to overcome his weakness.

“He was never the most comfortable batsman against the short pitch delivery but I think it’s just exaggerated in the past season or so and it’s become very very evident. He has to find a way to counter the short ball because everyone knows about it. He has got a few games left to show the world he can manage it.

He has got all the experience in the world. All he has to do is figure out a way to get to the non-striker’s end and he’s got enough cricket awareness to do that. I think he will get all the games this season,” said Dasgupta while speaking to Cricinfo.

Time is running out for Suresh Raina: Ian Bishop

Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop reckoned that Raina’s work ethic is still very good, but time might be running out for the veteran left-hander. Adding that Raina can dispatch a spin bowler easily when he is at his best, Bishop concluded by stating that Raina finds it challenging to face an express pace bowler.

“His attitude and work ethics are still very good. I won’t say he should get an extended run but I think they should continue to work with him. But, time is running out. What he has been able to do over time during his career is to be able to dodge it at times when it’s been too hot to handle.

He’s got to be able to get down to the non-striker’s end and of course he is capable of dismissing spin and pace when he is at his best. It’s about how he engages an express fast bowler,’’ concluded Ian Bishop.