Suresh Raina upset on not being selected for the Champions Trophy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2017 and though the team was picked on expected lines, among the prominent names missing out was Suresh Raina. The left-hander has now expressed his disappointment on not being considered for the primary squad of the tournament to be held in England next month.

It was later discovered that the selectors want the left-hander to be ready for the Champions Trophy as a backup for an injured player in the tournament. Raina last played an ODI for India back in 2015 against the visiting South African team, where he failed to impress with the bat. Even though he has been given opportunities in the T20Is, Virat Kohli and co. have backed the likes of Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, and Manish Pandey in the one-day fixtures.

However, in this edition of IPL, he led the Gujarat Lions’ campaign with the bat scoring 434 runs from 12 innings. He has averaged 48 with the bat at a strike rate of 146.12. Looking at his form in this edition of IPL, the southpaw was hopeful for a comeback into the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy.

“What can I say now? It’s really disappointing and hurting. I was expecting a comeback call this time, have been performing well and consistently, proving myself in the ongoing IPL season. Certainly, it is not on the expected lines but I would let my bat do the talking as I am sure of my comeback in the Indian squad one day,” said Raina according to HT.

It is baffling to watch a recognised One-day cricketer who has played over 220 matches for India struggle for a place in the Indian squad. But such is the competition in the one-day squad that a batsman who has scored over 5500 runs is out of the playing XI since the past 2 years.

“Right now I am focusing on my remaining matches in the IPL and would try to score as much as I can for the team’s victory. Wins in the remaining matches will lift the spirit of the team though we have already missed the cut for the playoffs” concluded the 30-year-old.