Taking to Twitter, Raina wrote, "When we play, we give our blood & sweat for the nation. No better appreciation than being loved by the people of this country and even more by the country’s PM. Thank you @narendramodi ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind!"
PM Narendra Modi penned down a letter for Suresh Raina in appreciation for his stellar contribution to Indian cricket in which he wrote that Raina will not only be remembered as a 'fine batsman but also as a useful bowler' who stepped up whenever the situation demanded.
ALSO READ |MS Dhoni Thanks PM Modi For Acknowledging His Contributions To Indian Cricket, Says Grateful For Appreciation And Good Wishes
Making an interesting note on Raina's early days in his cricketing career, PM Modi wrote in the letter: “You have lived and breathed cricket. Your interest in the sport began early in life, in the by-lanes of Muradnagar and subsequently found feet in the playgrounds of Lucknow. There on, what an eventful journey it has been, culminating in the most important honour of representing India - a country you love deeply - in all three forms of the game.” He further appreciated the spectacular fielding of the all-rounder and his batting, particularly, in the shortest format of the game.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the VIP guests who was invited for the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal clash between India and Australia, where Raina produced a match winning knock of 34* in the run-chase in Ahmedabad. The PM recalled that game changing knock of Raina and wrote that he was 'lucky to witness' the innings.
PM Modi also lauded Raina's fighting spirit and endurance, making a reference to the spree of injuries he braved during his career, but coming back strongly on every occasion. He also wrote that Raina will be 'synonymous with team spirit' while mentioning about his 'animated' presence on the field.
Earlier, PM Modi also wrote a letter of appreciation to former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who also retired on August 15.
The Prime Minister further acknowledged his efforts to support initiatives like 'Swachh Bharat' and women empowerment and wished him luck in the second innings of his life.
India's 74th Independence Day also marked the retirements of two of India's greatest stalwarts in white ball cricket.First the iconic cricket MS Dhoni announced his retirement via an Instagram post, and then Suresh Raina informed the world that he has also decided to end his playing career for Team India.