Recalling his international debut, came against Sri Lanka in an ODI game on July 30, 2005, Suresh Raina remembered he was asked to give a speech in front of a star-filled India squad, which included the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, VVS Laxman among others.
The 36-year-old cricketer recalled his speech was interrupted midway by a teammate, who asked him to name his favourite cricketer. Suresh Raina named Rahul Dravid as his idol, upon which Yuvraj Singh pulled his leg saying how could he say that in front of ‘God of cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar.
“I got my India cap in 2005 from Rahul Bhai. I had to give a speech in front of Paaji, Viru Paa, Dada, VVS Laxman, Zaheer Bhai, Ashu Bhai, Anil Bhai, Yuvi Paa, Bhajju Paa, MS Dhoni had recently joined the team and Irfan Pathan,” said Raina on JioCinema show ‘Home of Heroes’.
“So, I started the usual spiel but was stopped midway and asked to name my favourite player. I said I idolise Rahul sir a lot so Yuvi got on to me immediately and pulled my leg saying ‘The world’s best batsman and God of Cricket is sitting here, how is he not your favourite?’ I clarified that Sachin Paaji was also one of the favourites but I had posters of Dravid on my wall. It was a very friendly banter and broke the ice for me.”
However, that wasn’t the first time he got to interact with Sachin Tendulkar as the former UP cricketer recalled he urged a senior cricketer Atul Ranade for a rendezvous with the Indian cricket legend.
“We were playing against Sun Grace Mafatlal which also had Sachin Paaji’s best friend Atul Ranade playing for them. I scored a double ton and asked Atul if I could meet Sachin Paaji. Atul made it happen and Paaji said “Hi Suresh, how are you?”, and that was all,” said Raina.
“I couldn’t believe that one day I would share the Indian dressing room with him, and win a World Cup because he is God to us as I grew up listening to his matches on the transistor along with my father and brother.”
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