Why suresh raina retired
Suresh Raina, one of India’s most prolific cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020. A gifted left-handed batsman, reliable fielder and occasional bowler, Raina has a decorated twelve-year-long career in the international arena. Known for his aggression on the pitch and jovial nature off it, he leaves behind a legacy that a lot of upcoming players can learn from.
The Surprise Announcement
Raina’s announcement of his retirement came as a surprise to many, with fans waking up to an Instagram post by him that simply stated “It was nothing but lovely playing with you” followed closely by confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The timing was significant; it coincided with the declaration of retirement by another Indian cricket legend – Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Reasons Behind The Retirement
Unlike many sportspeople who communicate their decision via official press release or media statements, Suresh chose social media to announce his intentions directly to his fans. Speculations about why he retires centered around certain aspects such as age, personal reasons and injuries.
Firstly, considering he had crossed the thirty-mark, which happens to be a crucial stage in an athlete’s life where they begin weighing their options against time-related constraints like fitness levels and performance ability. Injuries were also weighing down heavily upon him – having been plagued frequently throughout latter parts of his career.
Secondly, player rotation and policy changes at BCCI regarding T20 selection might have influenced Raina’s decision. The competition among younger blood might have played part too.
Thirdly, on personal front there could have been consideration regarding spending quality time with family, close ones especially during this phase when world is reeling under pandemic situation – granting bigger perspective to life beyond cricketing boundaries
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Career Achievements
Raina’s career was an illustrious one filled with great deeds. He was the first Indian player to have scored a century in all three formats of international cricket. A crucial middle-order batsman with explosive power, he played pivotal roles in several victories for his team.
Test Career
Though Raina had a tumultuous Test career, he managed to score a century on debut against Sri Lanka in 2010 – making him the twelfth Indian cricketer to do so. However, consistency remained elusive and eventually ended up playing only eighteen test matches with an average just above 26.
One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s
The shorter format of the game is where Raina truly shone. In ODIs, he amassed over 5,600 runs at an impressive average touching almost 36. Meanwhile in T20 internationals, his aggressive batting approach earned him impressive figures as well pushing almost close to 38 – making it clear why he remains loved by many fans across India.
Cricketer Beyond Boundaries
In addition to being recognized for his exciting style of play, sturdy leadership qualities and power-hitting abilities; Raina’s philanthropic work mirrors detail about his character off-field. His altruistic endeavors towards children education upliftment through GRF (Gracia Raina Foundation), named after his daughter reflect much about essence of this sportsman beyond boundaries of cricket stadium.
Future Expectations
While retirement from international cricket might mark end of an era for Suresh Raina, his passionate fan base hopes that he will continue entertaining within domestic leagues such as IPL or even mentor young minds who look upon him setting newer goals for next generations
Retirement may have triggered curtains fall for Raina on global platform but each time doors shut there open newer ones, and while he paves way for upcoming talents to don the blue jersey; reminiscing cheers for “Raina… Raina…” during crucial games within stadium ambience from his fans would rest as irreplaceable memoirs echoing cricketing milestones achieved by Suresh Kumar Raina.
