His match-winning century earned India a 133-run win in the second ODI against England, and Suresh Raina said it was a special innings as it helped the visitor break its losing streak.
After the Test win at Lord’s, India suffered embarrassing defeats in the next three matches to lose the five-match series 3-1, but Raina’s 75-ball 100 helped his team get back to winning ways.
“I felt really good scoring my first ODI century in three years. I wanted to bring in fresh energy to the team, and I am glad I could do that with my overall performance,” Raina told BCCI.TV .
“This knock is one of the most special ones for me, given the circumstances and the conditions. We hadn’t won a game in a long time and to help the team break that jinx with a century was very satisfying.”
It was Raina’s first ODI century since 2010 and his first outside the sub-continent, and the left-handed batsman said he had worked hard on his game ahead of the ODI series.
“After all the work I had put into my game in Mumbai with Sachin and (Praveen) Amre, I was determined to join the team and bring them some happiness, whether by scoring a hundred or taking a brilliant catch,” he said.
“I had to bring the smiles back on my teammates’ faces. I am glad I could do that. The team environment is very good right now and I hope we continue this performance in the remaining matches,” he added.
Praise for skipper Despite India losing the Test series, Raina said it was a good side and praised skipper M.S. Dhoni for motivating the team during this lean patch.
“We didn’t do well in the Test series, but that doesn’t mean we are a bad team. We are ranked No. 2 in ODIs and the reigning World Cup and Champions Trophy winners. MS did a very good job of leading the team after the Tests and maintaining the confidence of the young boys. We had decided that we would run for each other and share each other’s success. That showed in our fielding performance.”
Raina said the fact that Dhoni knows his style of play, and it helped them build the innings with a 144-run fifth-wicket partnership in 16.5 overs to help India post 304 for six.
“The good thing about batting with MS is that he knows my game and would never ask me to give up my natural game. At the same time, he would keep talking to me during the innings to ensure I don’t throw it away,” he said.
“After I got my fifty, I became a bit conscious because I hadn’t scored a century since a long time and I wanted to finish well. Rohit also got out after his fifty and I was determined to carry on till the end.
“After a while, I started to play my shots, which disturbed the bowlers’ rhythm. England struggled with its field placements and bowling areas. That was when I knew that I was dominating them and thinking one step ahead,” Raina said.
Having scored a brilliant century, Raina contributed with the ball as well, trapping Chris Jordan in front in the 34th over, and the part-time off-spinner said he had worked on his bowling.
“Yes, I bowled well and got Jordan’s wicket. Sometimes, even if you are a part-time bowler, after you bowl four or five tight overs, you gain much more confidence and it becomes difficult for the batsmen to take you lightly.
“I have worked a lot on my bowling and I hope to bowl a lot in future as well,” said Raina.
