Suresh Raina has been in terrific form off late. He has scored seven half-centuries in 14 innings in the ODIs and now a brilliant knock of 134 runs in Irani trophy against Mumbai at Wankhede stadium really makes him a number one contender for the number six spot in Indian Test team. He has proved that he can bat in tough times by keeping his composure and has shown the abilities to protect his wicket after getting a good start.
IN FORM OF HIS LIFE
Raina has developed a habit of keeping a price on his wicket which is very much required to become a complete Test batsman. Four half-centuries in four innings against England was a clear indication that he is all set to represent India in Test matches. Raina is right now in a league of his own and he is getting better and better with every match he is playing.
His recent knock of 134 runs in Irani trophy speaks volume of his talent. He has never looked so good against the bowlers. He is timing the ball well and finding the gaps very easily. These are the trademarks of a batsman who is in-form and it would be better to give him a chance against Australia in upcoming Test series. Raina has made his intentions clear that even the Australian bowlers will have a tough-time against him. He has shown how to build an innings and how to be a team-man.
ABILITY TO PLAY WITH THE LOWER ORDER
Number six spot has been vacant for quite sometime now and a player like Raina suits very well at that position as he has played most of his ODIs at this spot and has done exceptionally well. The ability with which he moulds himself to the situation makes him a treat to watch. With time, he has developed the temperament to bat till the end with lower order batsmen. Even in Irani trophy, he galvanized his innings with lots of patience till he reached his fifty but thereafter he shifted his gears and the next fifty in just another 42 balls. He himself had admitted that batting with VVS Laxman was a learning curve for him and he showed him how to play with the lower order batsmen.
HAS WORKED HARD ON HIS ‘SHORT’ COMINGS
Earlier, Raina was criticized for not playing the short balls well. But he seems to have worked on that weakness well. This shows that his hunger of playing and getting runs for his team is still there. He believes in ‘prevent and prepare’ rather than in ‘repent and repair’. His foot work looks very impressive now and he is seeing the ball till the very last second, which is prime requirement to play in longer format of the game. He is looking to stay on the crease rather than go for heroics.
FIELDING A PLUS POINT
To it, Raina without a doubt is the best fielder in the Indian team as of now. The energy that he brings in is just exceptional. The way he is ready to throw himself on the field not only looks great but also inspires his team-mates to raise the bar of fielding. His ability to chip in with the bowl and get some good over for his captain makes him an integral part of team in shorter formats. This in itself shows that he is a team-man who can bowl when wickets are not falling and has the ability to stop the flow of runs.
FORM OF YUVRAJ AND ROHIT GOES IN RAINA’S FAVOUR
Everyone else who is competing with Raina for the No. 6 spot is far behind the left-hander if one goes by his form and confidence at the moment. Batsmen like Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma, who were earlier in the race of number six spot in Test matches, for sure stands no chance at the position if form remains the only criteria for selectors for selection.
By Amit Chopra
Indian Sports News Network
