'He is fairly young': Aakash Chopra on Suresh Raina's retirement from int'l cricket

Aakash Chopra has said that Suresh Raina still had a lot of cricket left in him after he has anunced his shocking retirement from game. It so happened that 'Chinna Thala' decided to call it a day from highest level moments after his former Indian and current CSK skipper, as well as bestie Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had bid adieu to international cricket on Saturday evening.

'He is fairly young': Aakash Chopra

While interacting on his official Youtube channel, Chopra said that Raina is only 33 years old, so he is fairly young. Recalling a recent interview with southpaw, former Indian Test opener mentioned that veteran middle-order batsman had regularly said that he was looking forward to playing for India again and that he was doing his best and would be scoring a lot of runs. At same time, senior CSK cricketer also added that he was feeling stronger and hitting ball well post his knee surgery.

Furrmore, ex-Delhi batsman also added he was happy because Raina is a special player and re were two T20 World Cups coming in two years for which he should have been considered according to Chopra and n said that 33 is for a guy as fit as Suresh Raina. cricketer-turned-commentator/analyst n mentioned that 2011 World Cup winner deserved better and reckons that elegant batsman could have been handled a lot better.

Suresh Raina: When Team India's decorated .4 batsman went into oblivion

Raina had last played for India in away limited-overs series against England in 2018. UP cricketer was an integral part of Team India's 2011 World Cup as well as ICC Champions Trophy 2013 triumphs and was a regular member on national side. However, his weakness against short-ball, a slump in form, and injuries meant that he did t find a place in squad.

southpaw, who was a part of India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad, has scored over 5,600 ODI runs and 1,605 T20 runs for Men in Blue. left-handed batsman was regarded as Team India's permanent number 4, a position following his snub created a void. 33-year-old mostly played under MS Dhoni and also accompanied his skipper in IPL as he played for CSK. Raina is also first batsman to have 5000 runs in IPL. 

Moments after MS Dhoni anunced his retirement on Saturday, Suresh Raina also made his anuncement on Instagram. Sharing a picture with his CSK squad including skipper MS Dhoni, Raina wrote, "It was thing but lovely playing with you, MS Dhoni. With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!"

(Im Courtesy: AP) 

READ: Suresh Raina Recalls His Incredible Cricketing Journey As He Calls It A Day