Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina; born 27 November 1986) is an Indian professional cricketer. An elegant left-handed middle-order batsman and an occasional off-spin bowler, he is also often said to be one of the best fielders in world cricket. He plays for Uttar Pradesh in all forms of domestic cricket and is the captain of Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League. He has also captained the Indian cricket team and is the second-youngest player to captain India. He is one of two...
NationalityIndian
ProfessionAthlete
Date of Birth27 November 1986
CountryIndia
I had a girlfriend when I was 17-18, and when she was 21, she wanted us to get married. I couldn't do that, because my game was my priority. We had to part ways, and there was no guilt because I had never committed to marriage.
Test cricket is the only thing that counts. One-day and T20 performances are fine, but you rate a player by his status as a Test player. By the time I finish, I want to play at least 80 Tests and be known for my achievements in Tests.
My family members are vegetarians, but I like mutton and chicken seekh kebabs.
I like to keep most of my bats. I think I have about 250 bats, including my first - which cost Rs 2000 - a gift from my dad in 1998, when I moved to the hostel.
Chennai is a beautiful city; I love the roads here and also know the routes. But one tip for car/bike enthusiasts - your life is most important; so, drive safe!
I dedicate my store to my birthplace. People over there look very good and have got purchasing power, too, and I think since there are no fashion shops in Ghaziabad, they would want to visit my boutique all the more. And I don't play cricket for all 12 months. So when I'm not playing, I can spend my time looking after my business and develop it.
I will go for a simple girl who's completely in tune with me and who gets along with my family.
My aim is to play Test matches. For me, there is a different feel of Test cricket as it tests your character. You come to know about your mental toughness, and most importantly, there is another level of satisfaction as a player.
It's very difficult to fill the shoes of somebody like Rahul Bhai. He has set the bench mark for a generation to come. However, it's our responsibility to carry forward his legacy.
I used to practice at the hockey ground on synthetic surface while I was in the sports hostel, so Test cricket is certainly going to be a challenge for me.
I have time only for cricket, and when I am not playing, I love to be at home, chat with my family, do puja with them, call for some yummy paani puri, etc. Also I love to cook. I can make dal, sabji and chicken! But, at home everybody's a vegetarian, so I can't cook non-veg at home!
As a sportsman, you always play to win. Having said that, it's not possible to win every day. There will be days when you will do well and there will be days you won't.
As and when I get into a relationship, I'll flaunt her to the world. I'm looking for a soul mate, and in any case, I'm not very much for casual dating. I'm such a simple guy away from this dating-shating business.
I am getting better at facing the bouncers, as I know opposition tries to use those as a weapon against me. Yet, no one is perfect, and he takes time to master a particular thing.