No pressure on me as I have always been an integral part of the team: Suresh Raina

All – rounder Suresh Raina has been an integral of the Indian limited overs team for more than a decade. It was not very often that fans saw him the dynamic performer sit out of the team due to from related issues until earlier this year after the limited-overs tour to Australia. His ODI career has clearly hit a huge road block. Raina was ignored got the Zimbabwe series and the T20 matches against West Indies in Florida.

The 29-year-old entered the lean patch at a wrong stage Indian cricket. For quite some time, he was the apex all-rounder in the team. But, with the emergence of the likes of Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya he has now put himself in a tricky situation where every opportunity is crucial for him.

He has got the opportunity when India take on New Zealand in the five-match ODI series, beginning in Dharamshala on October 16. ODI skipper MS Dhoni has not lost confidence in his ability and has backed his presence in the ODI team. Raina also looks in a god frame of mind and states that he isn’t under pressure at all.

‘No pressure on me’

“There is no pressure on me as I have always been an integral part of the ODI team. I was only rested when the youngsters were given exposure during the Zimbabwe ODI series. Whether I was rested or dropped (for the Zimbabwe trip), I will strive to cement my place in the Indian team,” he said with an air of confidence.

“I am confident of my abilities, be it ODIs or T20s. I have been hitting the ball sweetly in the nets and it augurs well for me as India have a long season ahead. We have been doing well in Test matches, now it is time to continue that good work in ODIs too,” he added.

Recovers from viral fever:

His comeback into the ODI squad was put on put on hold due to viral fever. The UP Ranji Trophy skipper had to also miss his batting against Madhya Pradesh last week due to a bout of flu. However, Suresh Raina clarifies that he now fully fit and ready to play in the opening ODI.

“It was just a touch of flu. Now I have recovered and am back in the nets. I will soon join the Indian team in Dharamshala for the opening ODI match there.