Amid team India’s No 4 conundrum in the white-ball format, out of favour batsman Suresh Raina has thrown his hat in the ring. The 32-year-old has been away from action since August 2018 but believes that he can bat well at the much-debated spot for the team in the shortest format of the game.
In a recent interview with a leading daily, Raina stated that he is hopeful for a comeback with T20 world cup around the corner.
“I can be the No. 4 for India. I have batted in that slot before and delivered. I am looking forward to an opportunity with two T20 World Cups coming up,” Raina was quoted as saying.
This particular batting spot has been a hot topic of discussion for Team India in a couple of years. While the management tried Ambati Rayudu for some time, he was dropped right before the World Cup. Then they tried Vijay Shankar but he ended up getting ruled out due to injury. After Shankar’s sudden exit, all the money was put on Rishabh pant but he too failed to do justice to the role and has been facing harsh criticism from several quarters.
Raina believes Pant seems to be confused at the moment and someone needs to sit down and talk with him.
“He appears confused, is not playing his natural game. He is looking for singles, blocking, and appears lost,” said the southpaw.
“Someone needs to talk to him as M.S. Dhoni would do to players. Cricket is a mental game and Pant has to be backed to play his attacking brand of cricket. Right now he seems to be playing under instructions and it is not working,” he added.
The left-handed batter also said Dhoni has a lot to offer to Indian cricket and can prove to be a worthy asset for the team in next year's World T20.“He is still fit, still a terrific wicket-keeper and still, the greatest finisher in the game. Dhoni will be an asset for India in the T20 World Cup.”