Suresh Raina gets high-praise from Saurav Ganguly; prowess hailed alongside Dhoni, another

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Sunday threw his weight behind Suresh Raina and stated that he has been one of key performers for India in white-ball cricket. Ganguly's statement follows after Raina anunced retirement on his international career. Raina decision came minutes after MS Dhoni's anuncement of retirement.

In a press release issued by BCCI, Sourav Ganguly said:

"Suresh Raina has been one of key performers in limited-overs cricket for India. Coming lower down order and playing some of match-winning kcks requires a lot of skill and talent,"

"He along with Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni formed a solid middle order for India in ODIs. I wish him and his family all very best," he ded.

In dition, Jay Shah, secretary of BCCI also congratulated left-handed batter. Shah also stated that Raina is one of finest to perform in shortest format. 

"Suresh Raina has been arguably one of finest T20 batsmen. A live wire on field, Raina's prowess as a left-handed batsman was exhibited throughout his cricketing career," Jay Shah said.

"A big match player, Raina's cameo against Australia in quarterfinal in 2011 World Cup was a testimony to his glittering career that followed. I wish him all very best in second innings of his career," he ded.

An ace fielder and a reliable bowler, Raina has been a part of 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is in an international career that has spanned for over 13 years. Raina, a member of team that went on to win  World Cup in 2011, commenced his international career at of 18. Moreover, he also led India in several  ODIs and T20s at of 23. Raina has been youngest player to le men's T20I side. Raina was also a member of side that played in India's first-ever T20I.

Raina is also kwn as first Indian player to score a century in T20 World Cup. His captaincy saw India marking a 3-2 series victory in West Indies and a 2-0 win over Banglesh in ODIs and a 2-0 T20I series win in Zimbabwe. ding to his series of achievements, Raina is also kwn for having scored a century on debut in Tests. Also he is first Indian to have hundreds in all three formats of game and his centuries were scored outside India.

Along with MS Dhoni, Raina formed a formidable batting partnership in many matches. Both players have led India to cross finish line on numerous occasions. partnership scored 2421 runs for fifth wicket, most by a pair in ODIs for that wicket. Following ir retirement anuncement, both Raina and Dhoni will continue ir stint with  Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled to commence from September 19 in UAE. 

(With ANI Inputs)