I never lost my confidence and kept working hard: Suresh Raina

The selectors announced the Indian squad for the T20 International series against South Africa. Suresh Raina made his comeback into the side after almost a year. The 31-year-old had struggled to make it into the squad since last year as he failed to pass the Yo-Yo fitness test.

Alongside fitness, it was Raina’s horrid form in the domestic season that raised questions over his spot. The lower order batsman was excited at the prospect of representing India again. It’s been more than two years since Raina played a One Day International, hence he’s just restricted to playing T20s.

I never lost my confidence and kept working hard

Suresh Raina last played a T20 International against England last year. He smashed a quickfire 63(45) which included five sixes. He revealed that in spite of being out of the team for so long, he never lost focus. He was determined to work his way back into the squad.

“It was all belief and hard work. I never lost my confidence and kept working hard on my fitness as well as skills. I was always focused on my game and was waiting for some good opportunities.” Raina was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Spectacular performances in the SMAT were hard to be ignored 

He had a horrible run in the Ranji Trophy as well as the Duleep Trophy. Thus the left-handed batsman failed to make any statement to the selectors. However, after passing the Yo-Yo Test recently, Raina announced his arrival back in form, “I need just one good going and I know it will come my way soon. I am raring to go for some good hitting in the middle,” he told after passing the fitness test.

During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Raina went on to play a sensational inning of 126(49)* against Bengal. He followed it up with scores of 61 against Tamil Nadu and 56 versus Baroda. Thus, it was hard for the selectors to ignore the star batsman.

There was a lot of buzz in social media regarding Raina’s return. He’s expected to be going to the NCA for the fitness session before the South African tour. Thus it’s quite unlikely that he will be participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. “Let’s see what happens at the NCA, and only then I will take a call on the Hazare Trophy matches.” he told.

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