Batting & Fielding Average

Bowling Average

Biography of Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina, born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is a former Indian cricketer known for his explosive batting style and exceptional fielding abilities. Raina is celebrated not only for his contributions to Indian cricket but also for his significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his role in various memorable triumphs for the national team.

Early Life and Background

Growing up in a cricketing family, Raina was introduced to the sport at a young age. His father, a businessman, encouraged his passion for cricket. Raina began playing tennis ball cricket in his hometown before progressing to more formal structures. He attended the primary school in Muradnagar and later moved to Lucknow, where he began to receive formal coaching. Raina's prodigious talent was evident early on, leading to his selection for the Uttar Pradesh state team.

Domestic Career and Debut

Raina made his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh in 2000 at the age of just 15. His consistent performances in the domestic circuit, combining stylish left-handed batting with sharp off-spin, helped him grab attention quickly. He scored 148 runs in his first innings as a young talent, leaving a lasting impression on selectors.

His List A debut came in 2005, and he continued to shine in the domestic arena. His performances in the 2006 Ranji Trophy, where he scored 575 runs, cemented his place as one of India’s promising talents. As a natural athlete with a flair for the game, Raina transitioned seamlessly from the domestic stage to the international arena.

International Debut

Suresh Raina made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India on July 30, 2005, against Sri Lanka. His Test debut followed a few years later on July 26, 2010, against the same opponents. Raina quickly became an integral part of the Indian lineup, especially in limited-overs cricket, showcasing his aggressive batting and ability to play under pressure.

Key Milestones and Achievements

One of Raina's memorable moments came during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2010, where he scored 101 runs in a single match against South Africa, becoming the first Indian player to score a century in T20 internationals. He was also part of the Indian squad that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, contributing his skills significantly to India's success.

Raina's batting style made him a key player in the IPL as well. He was one of the mainstays for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise from its inception in 2008. His explosive batting and ability to finish games earned him many accolades during the tournament, making him one of the most successful players in IPL history.

Records and Major Statistics

• First Indian to score a century in T20 Internationals.
• Part of the Indian squad that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.
• Most runs in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, with over 5,000 runs.

Career Statistics

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

Matches: 226
Runs: 5,615
Batting Average: 35.31
Centuries: 5
Half-centuries: 36
Top Score: 110

Test Matches

Matches: 18
Runs: 768
Batting Average: 26.03
Centuries: 1
Half-centuries: 5
Top Score: 120

T20 Internationals

Matches: 78
Runs: 1,605
Batting Average: 29.18
Centuries: 1
Half-centuries: 9
Top Score: 101

Indian Premier League (IPL)

Matches: 205
Runs: 5,528
Batting Average: 32.51
Centuries: 1
Half-centuries: 38
Top Score: 100

Impact on the Game

Suresh Raina has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Known for his agile fielding and acrobatic catches, he revolutionized the role of a middle-order batter in limited-overs formats, focusing on quick scoring and aggressive play. His contributions to the IPL helped popularize the tournament, making it a significant fixture in international cricket. Even after his retirement from international cricket in 2018, Raina continues to be a prominent figure in cricket, actively involved in coaching and promoting the sport among young players.

Conclusion

Suresh Raina's journey from the streets of Ghaziabad to the grand stages of international cricket is a testament to his hard work, passion, and dedication. With numerous records to his name and an impactful career, he will always be remembered as one of India’s finest cricketers.