Suresh Raina believes that Suryakumar Yadav is well-suited to be Team India’s finisher in the 2023 World Cup, suggesting that he can excel in this vital role. Raina also highlighted Suryakumar as a game-changer in the late stages of an innings, alongside MS Dhoni.
Suryakumar faced criticism due to a series of subpar performances in 50-over cricket, but he made a strong comeback before the 2023 World Cup, notably scoring 50 and an unbeaten 72 in the first two ODIs against Australia in India’s three-match home series.
Additionally, Suresh Raina expressed his belief that Shubman Gill could emerge as India’s top batsman in the tournament. He likened Gill and Rohit Sharma’s opening partnership to successful pairs like Sachin Tendulkar-Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar-Sourav Ganguly.
“If anyone can make a huge impact in the death overs apart from MS Dhoni, then it’s Suryakumar Yadav,” Raina said to Sports Talk. “Shubman Gill will be India’s strongest card,”
He continued, “He has been in stunning form and has figured out how he needs to play in ODIs. He has spent some time with Virat and is batting with Rohit Sharma, who has hit double centuries. Gill has also hit a double century. Gill and Rohit’s pair will win the hearts of people, just like Sachin-Sehwag and Sachin-Ganguly did in the past.”
It’s important to note that Shubman Gill’s participation in India’s first match of the 2023 World Cup against Australia on Sunday is uncertain due to recent reports indicating that he has tested positive for dengue fever.
“Still feel Yuzvendra Chahal should have been in the squad” – Suresh Raina’s thoughts on India’s 15-member roster
Experienced leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was conspicuously missing from India’s 15-player squad for the 2023 World Cup. Suresh Raina expressed his opinion that the national selectors should have included Chahal in the squad for the ICC event. However, he did express confidence in Kuldeep Yadav’s ability to perform for Rohit Sharma and the team, elaborating (1:30):
“I still feel Yuzvendra Chahal should have been in the squad. Most teams have two leg-spinners. However, we have just one wrist spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. I believe Kuldeep will be our trump card.”
Raina selected India, Australia, England, and New Zealand as his choices for the top four teams. The 36-year-old further proposed that Afghanistan might also be a dark horse in the competition, taking into account the playing conditions. Suresh Raina included (0:11):
“India, New Zealand, Australia, and England. I would also want to add Afghanistan and South Africa as wildcard entries. The World Cup will be played across 10 venues for around 45 days.”
”Considering the months in which they are playing, it will be challenging for the fast bowlers. This is why I believe one more team from the subcontinent, apart from India, can do very well.”
India will begin their tournament with a match against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
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