Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed his support for the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). Suresh Raina said that the Rohit Sharma-led team will get a win against arch-rival Pakistan in the ICC tournament.
A match between India and Pakistan has always generated excitement in cricket over the years. The two arch-rivals will meet once again in the group stage of the World T20 2024. The much-awaited match is scheduled to be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9.
India boasts a dominant record against Pakistan in T20 and ODI World Cup matches since 1992. The Men in Blue have been defeated by the Pakistan team once in the history of the World Cup. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, claimed a 10-wicket victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the T20 World Cup 2021.
Our team looked very good – Suresh Raina
Speaking at the Legends World Championship India Champions team jersey launch event, Suresh Raina expressed his confidence in India’s chances in the ICC tournament. Raina praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership, particularly his strategic planning.
“Our team looked very good. They are going to play Pakistan in New York. Rohit led the team very, very well. He has been incredible with his planning and is earning a lot of respect from the dressing room. We have a lot of options. We have two off-road vehicles”. Raina said.
Suresh Raina is preparing to play in the upcoming World League Championship, where retired cricketers from India, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, England and Australia will compete.
We will give it our all – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina highlighted how the players are always highly motivated to perform well against Pakistan. The cricketer-turned-commentator recalled his experience playing against Pakistan in his career. Raina stated that the players give their all when representing their country against Pakistan.
“We played a lot of matches, Yuvraj Singh, RP, Rahul, against Pakistan. When you represent your country, you try to give your best. I am looking forward to playing against Pakistan in England. We played a lot of matches together. We have retired from the sport, but not from the heart. When you see the tricolor, you feel Jee Jaan lagaadenge lekin inse nahi haarenge. [ we will give it our all but not lose to them]”,” Raina added.
He has to play in the World Cup – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina said Shivam Dube should be included in the playing XI, describing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder as an X-factor. Raina said Rohit Sharma would have to take the final decision regarding his opening partner as be it Virat Kohli or Yashasvi Jaiswal, in the main event.
“He has to play in the World Cup. Look, the ability to sit still while hitting that big six is very rare. Shivam Dube can be the x-factor for India to win the World Cup. So Rohit will have to take the call “If he wants to play with Virat (Kohli) up top, but Yashasvi also bats with a different style. If the situation arises, Shivam can also bowl for the team.” Raina added.
India will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 5. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli did not feature in a warm-up match against Bangladesh, while Shivam Dube managed to score 14. He bowled 16 balls, including a six.
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