Could Raina be the real deal?

[kabira]

so moral of the story. Let the newbies play some ODIs get comfortable with international cricket and give them Test cap??

[Jersey #10]

He would struggle in OZ, NZ and Eng

[Jersey #10]

so moral of the story. Let the newbies play some ODIs get comfortable with international cricket and give them Test cap??

seems precisely correct for Indians at leastB-> Examples: Sehwag, Ganguly, Dhoni, Gambhir, Dravid and now Raina(if you consider him) All are spear heads of recent Indian test cricket history and also the back bones of India's existence at the top of the charts.

[kabira]

Sehwag, Ganguly, Dravid did not play that many ODIs. It ws their first year in international. Raina has already spent 5 years. So he has more exp. and probably is ready for the international challenge.

[Ram]

He’s probably a better bet than Yuvraj in subcontinental conditions, but suffers from the same shortcomings that Yuvraj does – Inadequacy against quick, short pitched, targeted bowling and a general susceptibility against the bouncing ball outside off-stump. Ideally, we should look beyond these two for the no.6 spot. But his ability to play swing bowling is very under-rated though. He rarely ever gets out nicking the ball to the keeper or slips. Abd unlike Yuvraj, you EXACTLY know what to expect from him every time he gets on the field – A 100%, committed effort. Yuvraj’s batting is more susceptible to his mood swings than Glenn Beck’s rants on TV, but Raina is a fighter and will put a price tag on his wicket, EVERY single time he steps on the field, whether we’re 70/4 or 600/4.

[Steyn]

I think Kohli should be given some chance. He is the indian future test batsman. He needs to get some experience before taking over Sachin, Dravid, Laxman once they retire. Otherwise inexperience will cause him to be cooked by pressure.

[yoda]

Raina has always been class. He needs to sort out his handling of the short-pitched stuff though sooner than later. Our batting was always going to be fine with the likes of Vijay, Kohli, Raina and Rohit. Bowling OTH :((

[VRV Singh]

Happy that at least one batting talent from ODI/T20 scene got a Test chance...and Raina's taken full advantage so far. Interesting to compare with Eoin Morgan from here on in, similar situations. very mature from Raina

[Zap_Brannigan]

Happy that at least one batting talent from ODI/T20 scene got a Test chance...and Raina's taken full advantage so far. Interesting to compare with Eoin Morgan from here on in, similar situations. very mature from Raina

Raina has the temperament for tests but does he have talent? A short ball is easy to duck when you can see it coming from a mile away like what he faced yesterday. SL bowlers had to pitch it at the 10 yard mark for it to be a short ball. But in SA when there is enough bounce for balls to climb at much higher pace, ducking cannot be the only option. Raina is a fighter. He is our best batsman in T20's and top 3 in ODI's but he needs to improve his game immensely to maintain his spot in tests.

[Jersey #10]

Sehwag, Ganguly, Dravid did not play that many ODIs. It ws their first year in international. Raina has already spent 5 years. So he has more exp. and probably is ready for the international challenge.

I only enhanced your point and not try to go against your opinion

[Feed]

Tendulkar commends Raina's performance More... Tendulkar commends Raina's performance Special Correspondent COLOMBO: Sachin Tendulkar stressed the need to build partnerships while replying to a huge total. He said, “We occupied the crease and built partnerships.” Tendulkar observed, “It was important to be patient, since boundaries were difficult to come by because of the field setting. At the same time, it was important to keep the scoreboard ticking. It was an important knock for Suresh Raina as well. Especially because he came in to bat at a difficult time. I thought he showed tremendous character.” The maestro revealed, “I told Raina ‘I know you are under a bit of pressure, you are feeling a bit nervous but this moment will never ever come again in your life. It's natural to be nervous, everyone goes through it. But you must enjoy whatever comes your way. Everyone will remember this knock of yours irrespective of your future achievements.'” Tendulkar was all praise for Raina. “He has got a tremendous all-round game. He was solid in his defence and played some magnificent shots. Left the ball well, as well. It didn't appear that he was playing his first Test. Having played 98 ODIs also helped him. When you come out to bat at a critical stage in your debut match and are involved in a big partnership when your team is in trouble, you cannot ask for anything more. I just allowed him to play his game. Whenever I felt a particular adjustment was needed I told him. He has the ability to play the big shots, was carefully selecting them.” Acclimatising Speaking about how he adjusted to the heat and humidity here, Tendulkar provided an insight into his preparation. “It's been challenging. Yesterday, when I got into the dressing room, I had a long ice bath. I was in the ice tub for a while. Then I did some stretching exercises, had an early dinner and I was in bed by 8.30 p.m. I just relaxed as much as possible. Because I went off to sleep early, I was up early morning. I was in a good frame of mind.” He added, “When you are playing a Test, time flies. When you are off the field, you go back to the hotel and sleep. When you wake in the morning, it's time to go back to the ground again. But that's what Test cricket is all about. For almost all four days, I have been on the field. It's been demanding but my body has held up pretty well.” On UDRS Asked about the Umpire Decision Review System, he answered, “I am not fully convinced with that. When we were here last time, I wasn't convinced with many decisions. I didn't feel comfortable. It was an experiment. I would much rather go with the Hot Spot because that establishes the contact between the bat and the ball. It's a far better system according to me. And if there is something else to go with that, then it would be much better.” Tendulkar said he never played for records. “I have always gone out and played my game. People look at my records, not I. I would want to score as many runs as possible. I am still enjoying my cricket.” He then dwelt on off-spinning legend Muttiah Muralitharan. “Even for Muralitharan, to get 800 wickets was 18 years of hard work. If you go and ask, he would admit that the learning process never stops. He has worked hard. Other guys playing for Sri Lanka will have to do that. It's tough to achieve what Murali has achieved. And if we are going to compare other bowlers with Murali, it's a wrong comparison. You have got to respect the individual for what he has contributed to Sri Lankan cricket, and also respect the other individuals who have their own identity. They need not bowl like Murali because they have all their own styles, their own ways of taking wickets.” Asked whether India would retain its No. 1 ranking in Test when the series finishes, Tendulkar said, “Rankings will take care of themselves if you play good cricket. Focus has to be on playing good cricket. And who doesn't want to be No.1? The ranking is not only important to us, the team, but for the entire nation.”

[DomainK]

He’s probably a better bet than Yuvraj in subcontinental conditions, but suffers from the same shortcomings that Yuvraj does – Inadequacy against quick, short pitched, targeted bowling and a general susceptibility against the bouncing ball outside off-stump. Ideally, we should look beyond these two for the no.6 spot. But his ability to play swing bowling is very under-rated though. He rarely ever gets out nicking the ball to the keeper or slips. Abd unlike Yuvraj, you EXACTLY know what to expect from him every time he gets on the field – A 100%, committed effort. Yuvraj’s batting is more susceptible to his mood swings than Glenn Beck’s rants on TV, but Raina is a fighter and will put a price tag on his wicket, EVERY single time he steps on the field, whether we’re 70/4 or 600/4.

And that makes a huge difference. Test match needs solid temperament which YS does not have and Raina seems to have. He can go on defending with full concentration if the conditions are tough. If the situation demands a careful approach, unlike Yuvi, Raina does not need a Tendulkar to keep whispering words of wisdom into his ears after every ball to keep his mood in check.

[Lord]

And that makes a huge difference. Test match needs solid temperament which YS does not have and Raina seems to have. He can go on defending with full concentration if the conditions are tough. If the situation demands a careful approach' date=' unlike Yuvi, Raina does not need a Tendulkar to keep whispering words of wisdom into his ears after every ball to keep his mood in check.[/quote'] i'm not sure about that,Domaink.Raina also cant keep quite for long n likes to play the big shots.even in this innings he was charging down the track every once in a while n playing too may risky shots.his technique agains spinners while defending is good,but not sure he can do that for too long.Raina looks woefully awkward against short ball though.i would ather have Yuvi at 6 than Raina wen we tour SA.Raina will be a walking wicket there

[VRV Singh]

Raina has the temperament for tests but does he have talent? A short ball is easy to duck when you can see it coming from a mile away like what he faced yesterday. SL bowlers had to pitch it at the 10 yard mark for it to be a short ball. But in SA when there is enough bounce for balls to climb at much higher pace, ducking cannot be the only option. Raina is a fighter. He is our best batsman in T20's and top 3 in ODI's but he needs to improve his game immensely to maintain his spot in tests.

Having the temperament means half the battle is won with regards to our up and coming batsmen who want test careers. It's true SL attack is not the best. Fernando/Prasad etc are a mile off Aamer/England's attack/Steyn etc at test level and hostile bowling which they normally don't deal well with. And the track is as much a batsman's paradise as you will see. But at least Raina's batted sensibly, within his limitations and not thrown his wicket away despite the circumstances. It is a good start and hes taken full advantage, but he does have much to prove

[Show_stopper]

LOl @ the walking wicket in SA stuff..he will be do better than Yuvraj. Being able to play a hook/pull isn't what will determine success in SA..but coping with swing does. And Raina has the superior technique when it comes driving the ball. I've mentioned it more than once in the past..the guy hardly gets any edges it doesn't matter where he plays NZ, SA,WI or subcontinent.

[Lord]

LOl @ the walking wicket in SA stuff..he will be do better than Yuvraj. Being able to play a hook/pull isn't what will determine success in SA..but coping with swing does. And Raina has the superior technique when it comes driving the ball. I've mentioned it more than once in the past..the guy hardly gets any edges it doesn't matter where he plays NZ' date=' SA,WI or subcontinent.[/quote'] its not about pulling/hooking.its about playing it safely.Raiina doesnt even duck it properly.all he does is move inside the line of the ball n hope he its fair way away.on quicker pitches.thats not going to work as for swing,yes hes good against it,but not by much.Yuvraj is good with the drive as well. I dont think Raina has played any ODIs in SA.in NZ,he didnt get edges coz he was batting in the death overs with the top order doing well.WI it doesnt swing at all these days.so u have to take it into perspective

[Show_stopper]

Very very happy with the start he has had to his Test career.

[Sid]

I must say three good innings all under pressure, great start to his test career,hope it puts end to yuvraj test spot but would be waiting to see how he plays aussie quicks

[HowardRoark]

As I said in the other thread, I feel that Raina has a more assured presence at No.6 than Yuvi...Hope this humble, sincere, talented Kashmiri lad cements his place.

[satishg]

Raina is the real deal :yay: