Suresh Raina, the former cricketing maestro and a pivotal figure in India’s 2011 World Cup victory, has reaffirmed his belief in India’s forthcoming success at the cricketing extravaganza. Speaking at the TOI’s inaugural ‘Right to Excellence ★Sports Summit 2023’ in Delhi, Raina instilled hope among cricket enthusiasts that India’s triumph in the upcoming World Cup is merely a matter of time.
Rekindling the 2011 Glory:
The 2011 World Cup, etched in the annals of Indian cricket history, is a source of collective pride for every cricket-loving Indian. However, it’s worth noting that India has not clinched an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy. Following a heart-wrenching loss in the World Test Championship final earlier this year, the Indian cricket team is determined to break the decade-long ICC trophy drought and secure the coveted World Cup.
Raina’s Unwavering Confidence:
Raina, who played an instrumental role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, exuded unwavering confidence during his recent statements. He made it clear that India’s success in the final stage of the tournament will not hinge on the identity of their opponent. With conviction, he declared, “Whoever is there, we will handle.”
Key Players and Strategy:
When asked about the linchpins of India’s World Cup campaign, Raina singled out Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav as the team’s trump cards. He emphasized that the performance of India’s top-order batsmen, including stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and the promising Shubman Gill, will be pivotal in determining the team’s success. Additionally, Raina underscored the significance of a robust middle-order featuring Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur.
Reliving the 2011 Triumph:
Raina fondly recounted the pinnacle of his cricketing career—the moment of victory in the 2011 World Cup final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. He described the atmosphere in the stadium as unforgettable, with fans passionately singing the national anthem, “Vande Mataram.” Raina expressed his deep gratitude for the incredible journey and the opportunity to secure his first World Cup title.
Anticipation Builds:
With the World Cup set to commence on October 5 in Ahmedabad, the anticipation among Indian cricket aficionados is reaching a crescendo. This tournament holds immense significance for India, as they aspire to break their ICC trophy dry spell and bestow glory upon the nation.
