Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman played out the first session on Day 5 of the third test against Sri Lanka. Considering the needs of the team, it was just the ideal way to do about the run-chase. Just when it looked like they were on course to take India to victory Tendulkar departed with India still requiring 80-odd runs to win. In came Suresh Raina and played an innings which was like saying to VVS, "Hello Mate, what on earth was happening when you two played?"
Such was the range of shots Raina played in that innings. He hardly looked in trouble though he was a bit rash early on. But after that it was a pleasure to watch Suresh bat. Having said that, it was the Mumbaikar and Very Very Special who made things easy for him. They deserve as much praise, if not more, as Suresh Raina deserves.
Raina is a perfect man to bat at No.6 in TESTS. He is ideal, one because he is left handed. All teams like to have left handers in the middle to change the line of the bowlers and so he has an advantage. And two, most importantly, he is aggressive and can easily settle into the role of someone who can bat with the tail.
Many times the No.6 and No.7 batsmen fall into no man's land when it comes to batting with tail-enders. And if they happen to be defensive batsmen then they will find it really difficult. Fortunately if Raina seals his place in the starting XI, which I think he should, then India will have two of the best aggressive players at No.6 and No.7. The man following at No.7 is easily India's best ODI batsman, MS Dhoni, and I consider him to be the world's best and also that's what the ICC Rankings say.
Suresh Raina reminds me of India's best Test and ODI left hander and Former Captain Sourav Ganguly. Though he has a long way to go in reaching Sourav's class, the beginning has just been terrific. Both scored their maiden test century on DEBUT and both played their first test after making their ODI debut a long time before TEST debuts. Both bat in the middle order. So Raina will have just the perfect inspiration to play well.
The man whom Wisden rated as "India's talented player" after Sachin Tendulkar has began his test career promisingly and if he manages to cement his place, India will not find it difficult when their three stalwarts retire. Transition should be smooth and Raina will be a big factor in making it happen.
For now, let's enjoy the class of India's latest "Centurion-on-debut" who is also the best Fielder by far in this Indian team. Go Suresh Raina.!
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