Raina Looks To Tap Talented Young Cricketers In J-K, Train And Polish Their Skills To Turn Them Into Future Stars

Raina who drew the curtains to a stellar international career, retiring on August 15, the same day as his former Indian and CSK skipper MS Dhoni, penned down a letter to Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh expressing his desire to promote cricket in the Union Territory by passing on his experience and insights on the game which he acquired after playing over a decade of international cricket.

Suresh Raina

Days after bidding adieu to international cricket on India's 74th Independence Day (August 15), retired Indian cricketer Suresh Raina plans to give back something to the underprivileged kids in Kashmir who hone ambitions of becoming cricketers in their lives. Raina who drew the curtains to a stellar international career, retiring on August 15, the same day as his former Indian and CSK skipper MS Dhoni, penned down a letter to Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh expressing his desire to promote cricket in the Union Territory by passing on his experience and insights on the game which he acquired after playing over a decade of international cricket. Raina's letter to the DGP comes as a response to the latter inviting the former Indian cricketer to develop cricketing skills in the union territory. In a tweet on their official Twitter handle, the J&K police said, "Congratulation on a successful career @ImRaina. Your contribution to Indian #Cricket, particularly the shorter format is a matter of pride for all of us. Some of your crucial innings which helped #India win many encounters on the play field are memorable." "We are expecting you to work with us in developing the cricketing skills of the youth of #Jammu and #Kashmir. Looking forward to see you with our youth here. DGP J&K Sh Dilbag Singh & other ranks of #JKP extend best wishes for your next innings." In his letter to the GDP, Raina has stated his vision of promoting cricket in the by spotting talented cricketers from rural areas of the UT and then impart training to fine tune their skills and mental aspects of their game. The former Indian cricket added that he wanted to promote the game in schools and colleges across the union territory. "My intention is finding out the talented youngsters or children from various parts including schools', colleges and rural areas of J&K. Cricket is not just a sport but it evolves a process which could shape and mould a group of individuals with professional ethics, discipline maintained further in their future life, staying fit and healthy both mentally and physically. When a child undergoes the training for any sports activities he or she is automatically adapted to the discipline of lifestyle as well as aware of the importance of physical fitness. These could be the future of our nation," the letter read. The Jammu and Kashmir Ranji cricket team, who for long were perennial under achievers in the North Zone as compared to Punjab and Delhi have been moving places over the last five years with some notable performances in the flagship domestic first class tournament. Parvez Rasool-led J&K team made it to the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy in 2013-14 season. J&K state team saw a reversal of fortunes after they roped in high profile coaches over the past few years with India legend Bishan Singh Bedi being in-charge of the team in 2012. Former Indian spinner Sunil Joshi was part of the think tank in 2014 while Irfan Pathan is currently looking after the state team in the role of a mentor.