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Nothing but performance counts: Raina

Vijay Lokapally

Pressure is only self-inflicted
I do not chase money or luxuries

— File PHOTO

Raina.

NEW DELHI: Runs and riches are accumulating at a very healthy pace for Suresh Raina, the batting success for India at the recent Asia Cup. With 372 runs from six innings to his credit, Raina has just about begun to live his dream of excelling for the country in cricket, his first love in life. He has lately bought a bungalow in Ghaziabad for his parents, his greatest gift to two souls dearest to his heart.

“From the time I grew up watching Rahul, Sachin and Sourav, I’ve only wanted to be a cricketer,” he says. To this day, Raina remembers Tendulkar’s handshake and a “well played” comment five years ago at the MIG ground in Bandra, a suburb of Mumbai. Raina had smashed a double century for Air India in the Times Shield and gathered rave reviews for his talent. Also among his well-wishers that day were Dilip Vengsarkar, Pravin Amre and Sanjay Manjrekar.

Amre is his coach for the India ‘A’ tour to Australia; Vengsarkar is the National Selection Committee chairman with immense faith in Raina’s ability; Manjrekar hails him as the most “precocious” young cricketer.

Simple game

Precocious he is, high on the list of former coach Greg Chappell. Cricket is a simple game, Chappell never tires of reminding the youngsters. “I always think about my game and keep it as simple as I can. Lots of training, lots of ‘nets’ session and lots of analysis, but at the end of the day it has to be simple,” maintains Raina.

His debut, against Sri Lanka in 2005, was heartbreaking. He scored nothing in that One-day international. “I was down when Rahul walked up to me and spent time. He was the only one who spoke to me. He reminded me it was only the beginning. He is a very great player and that conduct reflected his big heart. I cherish that day.”

Raina, after a bumpy start, settled down with some rousing performances against England in a One-day series at home two seasons back before slipping into near-obscurity again.

The selectors kept faith and Raina worked hard on his game to stay in the reckoning.

“I would listen to even club cricketers because they would say things to help me — like a club player wanted me to improve my running between the wickets. I realised that nothing but performance counts and have worked on this aspect.”

“Pressure,” Raina believes, is only self-inflicted. “No one walks up to you and says you are under pressure. Expectations are natural when you play for the country and it all boils down to your self-belief. I have learnt a lot from interactions with Rahul and Dhoni has also made me comfortable.”

Robin Singh, former India ‘A’ coach, once told Raina, “Utilise every moment you spend with the seniors.” The left-hander, with 45 ODIs under his belt, has not forgotten that little piece of advice from Robin, now part of the support staff.

Real cricket

Raina is aware that Test cricket is real cricket. “I want to do well in Tests. I always wanted to be a Test cricketer. Twinty20 is more entertainment but Test cricket is the real platform to show your talent.”

Firmly rooted to values learnt at school and home, Raina has not lost link with his past. “I can never forget my coach (S.P. Krishnan) giving me his son’s bat to play. I still have that bat.

“I remember carrying biscuits in my kit bag because I could practise only during lunch.

“Other times, the seniors would rag me, never give me batting opportunities. My job was rolling the pitch and bowling to them but I hold no grudge.”

For his sister, whose wedding he could not attend because of cricket, Raina has just bought a car.

Consistency

“I do not chase money or luxuries. I want to be a good cricketer.” Like Dravid, for his “discipline and reading of the game.” Like Tendulkar, for his “consistency and organised batting.” Like V.V.S. Laxman, for his “sheer class and humility.”

Runs and riches are part of his life now. Raina has begun to make runs at his will now but pocket money?

“I still have to ask my parents!”

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