'One of the finest southpaws' – tributes pour in for Suresh Raina
The first Indian batsman to make centuries in all three formats of the game, 33-year-old Suresh Raina's retirement, which came minutes after Dhoni's, was met with shock by a few teammates. Raina, who shares a great camaraderie with Dhoni, expressed his admiration for playing alongside Dhoni on social media while adding that he too was retiring.
Raina played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs and 78 T20Is for India, making 7,787 runs across formats in international cricket. He was the first Indian batsman to record a hundred in the shortest format of the game when he made 101 against South Africa in the 2010 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Tributes for Raina came from his former teammates and current India team players.
A great fielder,brilliant aggressive batsman and a true friend @ImRaina well done on your career for our country. Wish you all the luck for your future #rainaretires pic.twitter.com/ZJJxImWS4X
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2020
From sharing the dressing room with you, practicing with you in my backyard and having conversations over meals, I will miss all of that. Go well brother in your second innings #RainaRetires pic.twitter.com/vUeRjnRAPo
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) August 15, 2020
One of the most passionate and vibrant guys I have ever played with. Good luck on the new innings Raina bhai @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/HQmIyfglJ1
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) August 16, 2020
Congratulations @ImRaina on a splendid career . One of the best southpaw batters and a brilliant fielder . All the best for your life ahead #Raina pic.twitter.com/cEWV9YhwA1
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 16, 2020
A few expressed shock at Raina's sudden retirement announcement.
Bit shocking but I guess you feel it when you feel it. Good career bro, have a great retirement, still remember the time when we came into the squad 😁 best wishes moving forward @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/63nmPkuiMM
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 16, 2020
Quite shocked about @ImRaina’s retirement.. still feel u have a lot to give to the game in blue, with age and fitness on ur side.. but as they say you know when you know.. all the best for your 2nd inn.. God bless you
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2020
Congratulations on a fabulous career @ImRaina
— K L Rahul (@klrahul) August 16, 2020
Your shot over covers will always be my favourite.
Wish you all the best for the years ahead! pic.twitter.com/GRhAxrvM2N
Limited overs cricket will not be the same without you! One of the finest southpaws ever. Good luck @ImRaina for everything!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 16, 2020
From the early days of my career, you have played a very important role in helping me grow as a person and as a cricketer. You have been my idol, mentor and my elder brother. Congratulations on the wonderful career. Wishing you nothing but the best. @ImRaina bhai 🤗 pic.twitter.com/LUOXpONB1z
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) August 15, 2020
Had a great journey with you bro, right from the U16s! You have made your country and family proud. Wish you all the best for your future endeavours! @ImRaina 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/6pdOGv1ra8
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 16, 2020
What are your favourite memories of Suresh Raina?