'Forever Team India': Suresh Raina Posts Emotional Statement After Retiring From International Cricket

A day after announcing his retirement from international cricket, Suresh Raina, on Sunday, posted an emotional statement on his social media accounts. The former India batsman brought down curtains on his international career on Saturday. His decision came just minutes after MS Dhoni hanged his boots in international cricket.

Just like Dhoni, Suresh Raina also announced his retirement on Instagram, writing:

“It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!”

Suresh Raina plied his trade for India for 13 years. Having made his debut in 2005, he played his last game for India in 2018. During his time in international cricket, he became the first Indian to score a T20I century and, with it, the first from the country to register hundreds in all three formats of international cricket.

Known for his exploits in limited-overs cricket, he also represented India in 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20Is, scoring 768, 5615 and 1605 runs respectively. The southpaw also has 36 ODI wickets to his name and 13 each in Tests and T20Is. He was a part of the team that won the World Cup in 2011.

Here is Suresh Raina’s full statement:

In his statement, Suresh Raina spoke about his love for the game, saying that cricket runs through his veins. He thanked his family, his teammates, coaches and fans for their support throughout his career.

With a lot of mixed feelings I’m able to make this announcement of my retirement. From a very young age. I as a small boy had literally lived Cricket on every street gall and nukkad of my small town before making it to the Indian team. All I have known is cricket all I have done is cricket & it runs through my veins. 

There hasn’t been a single day without counting my blessings & without acknowledging everything I have received from god & my people who showered nothing but love on me. 

All I strived for was to value those blessings & give my everything in return to my game, to my country & everyone who has been a part of this journey. I had multiple surgeries, set backs & moments when I felt that this is it but I didn’t stop or settle for anything which was not justified. 

It’s been an incredible ride and it would not have been possible without everyone who supported me during my ups and downs. This journey could not have been possible without the unflinching support and sacrifices of my parents. my loving wife Priyanka. my children Gracia and Rio. my brothers, my sister and all members of our family. This is all you. 

My Coaches who always showed me the right direction. my Physicians for helping me heal. my trainers for helping me perform at the highest level. 

My boys in BLUE. nothing would have been possible without the support of the wonderful India Team in blue. I had the pleasure of playing with the best of the very best players and all of them played for Team India. I feel lucky to have played under the captaincy of some of the best minds in the game Rahul Bhal. Anil Bhai. Sachin Paaji, Chiku and especially with @mahi7781 for guiding me as a friend and mentor. 

Thank you @bcci and @upca for the all the support and making the dreams of a boy from UP wanting to play for team India some true. 

And lastly my fans. I am what I am because of the love and adulation that you have showered upon me thru the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone who supported me in playing International Cricket at the highest level. I’ll always be filled with nothing but gratitude. Forever. Team India. Jai Hind 

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— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) August 16, 2020

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