Kolkata : He was one of M S Dhoni’s trusted lieutenants during the best days of Chennai Super Kings and not only does Suresh Raina “miss” his captain but also feels disappointed in the manner he was removed from Rising Pune Supergiant’s captaincy.
“I was disappointed. He has done so well for the country as well as for the IPL teams. He should be respected every time. It’s about not me saying, it’s the world saying,” Raina told PTI in an interview.
Asked whether it’s affecting Dhoni, he said: “I don’t think. He’s back among runs. Hope he will do well better after two-three matches. We have only played five matches. After sometime the picture will be clear. He should bat up the order and bat long. He’s a world class finisher.”
Raina termed his eight-year stint with CSK as the “best experience”.
On a different note, Raina seemed hopeful that Virat Kohli’s Indian team will be able to retain Champions Trophy won in 2013.
Raina said that Kohli’s aggression is his biggest plus point. In order to get winning results, one needs to full support from the team and he has got that, he said. Raina said that IPL transformed him as a player making him more assertive and positive in his approach. He feels Kerala pacer Basil Thampi and Jharkhand batsman Ishan Kishan are special talents who would play for India.
