Raina credits Sachin for World Cup win
Reminiscing about playing cricket in the UAE during a live chat with Khaleej Times on Facebook, Indian batsman and Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina appealed to his fans to remain calm amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an ideal world, Raina would have been busy now playing for CSK in the Indian Premier League. But with the Covid-19 bringing all sporting events to a standstill, the left-hander reminded everyone that there was more important issues now than playing cricket.
“I do miss IPL. There are lot of emotions about the Chennai team in the IPL. But we need to see the situation now and we have to be practical,” said the 33-year-old batsman.
And Raina, who was blessed with a baby boy recently, said the lockdown has allowed him to spend quality time with his family.
“God has been really kind. The baby is healthy. Now because of the lockdown, I am spending time with my son, my daughter and my wife,” he said.
“As you know, we need to take lot
of precautions now. Lot of things are happening in the world. So peace to all. We just need to be very sensible now. I hope we get it done really quick and we all have a normal life.”
Raina is among the few players to have played with both Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. And the 2011 World Cup winner believes it’s their hunger for runs that separates them from the rest.
“Sachin and Virat, they both score lot of hundreds, Virat wants to win every game. And Sachin wants to make sure everything is very clam,” Raina said.
“With Sachin, it’s always about his calmness. It was because of Sachin that we won the World Cup. He was the guy who made everyone in the team believe that we can do that, He was like the second coach in the team.
“And Virat, he has been amazing in all formats. He has been a very good captain. He has been hitting the ball very well. He is very fit, very positive and he has the aura around him. I am glad I have played with both of them.”
Raina, a big Arsenal fan, then drew parallels between Tendulkar and Lionel Messi
“I am a big fan of Messi. He is so down to earth, Both Sachin and Messi are very good when it comes to taking care of people around them because in sports you need to be really humble,” he said.
“You may be the number one player in the world, but your legacy is very important, You need to show gratitude to everyone.”
Raina then showed his gratitude to the UAE for looking after the cricketers so well during the IPL in 2014.
“I have great memories of playing cricket in the UAE. We were looked after so well in the 2014 IPL. Dubai has been one of the best in the world when it comes to sports infrastructure. What I love about the place is that it’s very safe, my daughter can go out and play,” he said.
“I remember I first played here in 2006 with the Indian team. Rahul Dravid was the captain and Inzamamul Haq was the captain from Pakistan. It was a good series. We had a good time with the Pakistan players. We used to eat together.”