Suresh Raina: I have not been given enough chances to prove my calibre as a Test cricketer

Suresh Raina, one of India’s leading One-Day International (ODI) players, recently split ways with Rhiti Sports, the sports company owned by MS Dhoni’s friend. Talking to Hindustan Times about his deal with a new sports management company, Raina said, “I have signed a three-year deal with IOS Sports and Entertainment. I am happy to be associated with the new company. Above all, I am happy that there would be no conflict-of-interest under the BCCI system.” Raina will soon complete a decade in international cricket. “That is what one works for in his life,” said Raina on the landmark. Raina will be in the Netherlands, where his wife works as a banker, working on his fitness. “I have been running, doing gym and playing football indoors as it’s the rainy season. I have lined-up special fitness sessions in Holland. I will have plenty of time there. My wife would be busy with her exams during that period,” said Raina. READ: Suresh Raina signs 3-year deal with sports management group called ‘IOS’

Raina said that he will try to get as much of match practice as possible before the ODIs against South Africa. “I tried to get a few games with county teams during the vacation, but they have already signed players. It’s going to be a very important series for me. I have plans for each game. I am happy that the first match will be played at the Green Park in Kanpur, the best venue for me.” Elaborating on South Africa’s tour of India, Raina said, “The Proteas are a good side but we have a proven track record against them, including our showing in the World Cup. It will be an exciting series.” READ: Suresh Raina hints support for Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankit Chavan

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Raina went on to say that he still harbours hopes of playing the longest format for India. “Ahead of the World Twenty20, I have plenty of opportunities to play in the longer version of the game, especially in the Ranji Trophy in October-November before we tour Australia in January for an away series. The domestic games will give me a platform to show my calibre and stake claim for a recall to the Test side. I am desperate for this. The Test series against South Africa in India will allow me to play at least four-five Ranji games for UP.” Raina went on to say that he was disappointed at not being persisted with despite a failure on Test comeback in Australia, saying that he has done well in limited overs. “I have been doing consistently well in one-dayers and T20s. Even in the IPL, I scored runs. It’s true that I didn’t do well in three innings in Test cricket in 2012. It was the same story in 2015, but that doesn’t mean I am not experienced enough to be in the Test side.” READ: IPL Verdict: List of Cricketers we will miss in action in IPL 2016 & 2017

Raina concluded by saying that he felt he has not been given enough chances in Test cricket. “I have not been given enough chances to prove my calibre as a Test cricketer. You can’t judge a player on the basis of just one match after a hectic series of one-day and T20 games. I am not asking for five Test matches to prove myself. Give me two-three games. And if I don’t perform, drop me forever…I am sure I have the ability to be a consistent performer at Test level, but it’s just a matter of getting the chance to do so. Before gearing up for the World T20, I will focus on my Test comeback.” READ: Suresh Raina: I have always played the game in right spirit