NEW DELHI: Suresh Raina has been a consistent scorer for India in the shorter version of the game. The recent dip in form during the South African Test series may have raised a few questions about his ability to counter genuine pace and bounce, but the stylish left-hander still backs himself to deliver for Team India in the upcoming World Cup.
Excerpts from an interview:
Are you under pressure to perform?
There is no reason for me to worry about my form. I have been batting well and got to 30-odd regularly in the ODI series against South African in South Africa. Batting at No. 6, I gave my best shot. We couldn't win the series, but we fought hard. The way we applied ourselves augurs well for the World Cup.
After playing cricket at the highest level for a while, I know my game well. One fine day, if someone criticizes me, it doesn't affect me much. I am never under pressure. I have complete faith in my natural ability. More importantly, I enjoy everything I do on the field.
What are India's chances in the World Cup?
We have a very good chance to win the tournament. We have the best coach in Gary Kirsten, best skipper in MS Dhoni and best player in Sachin Tendulkar. I don't see why we can't make it big. Tendulkar is the biggest inspiration for the team and since it's going to be his last World Cup, we will make this tournament a memorable one. We are really pumped up.
A lot of the Indian players have great things to say about Kirsten...
Yes. Kirsten comes across as a very straightforward person. Even when he talks to individuals, he is frank, honest and teaches the cricketers to be better human beings. His mantra is that if you are a good human being, it reflects in your cricket.
India lost wickets during the batting powerplays in South Africa. Is it a worry?
This happened only in the recent series. If you check out the stats in the last couple of years, we have actually done quite well in that area. We will surely do our best in the World Cup.
What is the basic difference between the Indian team in the last year?
We have certainly improved our fielding standards. Everyone in the team is enjoying fielding and this is going to be a key factor in the World Cup. Some of the bowlers are taking good catches. Our top batsmen are in good form and bowlers are doing a great job. We managed to pull off wins in close games. The spin department has always been our strength and the pitches will suit them.
How do you rate the other teams in the tournament?
All the sub-continent teams are capable of turning it around. Even Bangladesh can't be taken for granted. In the World Cup every match is a pressure game. But we are not thinking too much about that. Our focus will be on what we achieve.
Do you have any early memories of the World Cup?
In 1983 when India won the World Cup, I was not even born. But I remember seeing the matches from 1992 onwards and also remember the way the Australians played their cricket for more than a decade. We came close to winning the 2003 World Cup, but it was again the Australians who ruled. It's a dream come true for me to play in the tournament.
Excerpts from an interview:
Are you under pressure to perform?
There is no reason for me to worry about my form. I have been batting well and got to 30-odd regularly in the ODI series against South African in South Africa. Batting at No. 6, I gave my best shot. We couldn't win the series, but we fought hard. The way we applied ourselves augurs well for the World Cup.
After playing cricket at the highest level for a while, I know my game well. One fine day, if someone criticizes me, it doesn't affect me much. I am never under pressure. I have complete faith in my natural ability. More importantly, I enjoy everything I do on the field.
What are India's chances in the World Cup?
We have a very good chance to win the tournament. We have the best coach in Gary Kirsten, best skipper in MS Dhoni and best player in Sachin Tendulkar. I don't see why we can't make it big. Tendulkar is the biggest inspiration for the team and since it's going to be his last World Cup, we will make this tournament a memorable one. We are really pumped up.
A lot of the Indian players have great things to say about Kirsten...
Yes. Kirsten comes across as a very straightforward person. Even when he talks to individuals, he is frank, honest and teaches the cricketers to be better human beings. His mantra is that if you are a good human being, it reflects in your cricket.
India lost wickets during the batting powerplays in South Africa. Is it a worry?
This happened only in the recent series. If you check out the stats in the last couple of years, we have actually done quite well in that area. We will surely do our best in the World Cup.
What is the basic difference between the Indian team in the last year?
We have certainly improved our fielding standards. Everyone in the team is enjoying fielding and this is going to be a key factor in the World Cup. Some of the bowlers are taking good catches. Our top batsmen are in good form and bowlers are doing a great job. We managed to pull off wins in close games. The spin department has always been our strength and the pitches will suit them.
How do you rate the other teams in the tournament?
All the sub-continent teams are capable of turning it around. Even Bangladesh can't be taken for granted. In the World Cup every match is a pressure game. But we are not thinking too much about that. Our focus will be on what we achieve.
Do you have any early memories of the World Cup?
In 1983 when India won the World Cup, I was not even born. But I remember seeing the matches from 1992 onwards and also remember the way the Australians played their cricket for more than a decade. We came close to winning the 2003 World Cup, but it was again the Australians who ruled. It's a dream come true for me to play in the tournament.
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