"No Better Appreciation": Suresh Raina On PM Modi's Heartfelt Message

After sending out a letter of appreciation to MS Dhoni, PM Narendra Modi has also sent out the same to Suresh Raina, who called time on his international career on Independence Day. PM Modi, in the letter, said that he cannot use the word retired as Suresh Raina is still young and energetic and padding up for his second innings.

The PM also spoke about Raina’s journey in cricket and the way he began his career in the by-lanes of Muradnagar and subsequently found feet in the playgrounds of Lucknow. Adding that is has been an eventful journey for the former India batsman.

“On 15th August, you decided to make what would surely have been one of the toughest decisions of your life. I do not want to use the word ‘retirement’ because you are way too young and energetic to ‘retire’. You are padding up for the next innings of your life, after an extremely fruitful innings on the cricket field.

“You have lived and breathed cricket. Your interest in the sport began early in life, in the by-lanes of Muradnagar and subsequently found feet in the playgrounds of Lucknow. There on, what an eventful journey it has been, culminating in the most important honour of representing India – a country you love deeply– in all three formats of the game.

“Generations will remember you not only as a fine batsman but also as a very useful bowler who the captain could turn to when the situation demanded. Your fielding was exemplary and inspiring. Some of the best catches in recent international cricket have your distinctive imprint. I would take days to count the number of runs who you have saved by your athleticism on the field,” PM Narendra Modi wrote.

Raina responded to the letter saying that there could not be any better appreciation than being love by the people of the country and even more by the PM. He thanked the PM and accepted his words with gratitude.

“When we play, we give our blood & sweat for the nation. No better appreciation than being loved by the people of this country and even more by the country’s PM. Thank you @narendramodi ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind!,” Suresh Raina wrote while sharing the 2-page letter from PM Narendra Modi.

When we play, we give our blood & sweat for the nation. No better appreciation than being loved by the people of this country and even more by the country’s PM. Thank you @narendramodi ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind!?? pic.twitter.com/l0DIeQSFh5

— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) August 21, 2020