MS Dhoni is the most difficult bowler I have encountered in nets: Suresh Raina

In the fourth and final segment of his interview on Home of Heroes on Jio Cinema, Suresh Raina discusses his brief stint as captain, anecdotes about Virat Kohli, why MS Dhoni is one of the toughest bowlers he’s faced, what led to his decision to retire, and his plans to feature in a film.

You served as captain for a limited duration. Have you ever desired an extended period of captaincy?

I captained UP and Chennai, and several other teams also approached me, but MS Dhoni Bhai would tell me to stay put because he was the captain and I was the vice captain.

I stated that I don’t aspire to be captain; I simply want to participate and help my country win. If I am given the opportunity, I will labour diligently, but I have never aspired to be the captain. I always considered myself a team player and was eager to assist teammates or solve their issues.

I believe that being a commander transforms friends into enemies and enemies into friends. When I was appointed captain for the series against the West Indies, I hadn’t slept for several nights due to team selection concerns. Several senior players made suggestions, but I informed them that I would select players based on the condition of the wicket. Certainly, I will revere all team members and even engage in debate, but I am the team captain. I simply wanted to obtain the trophy and make my country proud.

You frequently played with Virat Kohli. What memories do you have of him?

Virat knew exactly what he needed to do from the moment he began his fitness transition. I recall that we had just completed the 2007/08 Australia tour and were returning on the plane when he told me about his desire to become a superstar. He admired Yuvi Pa for his appearance, manner, and penchant for listening to Punjabi songs, etc. Additionally, I believe that Virat had the approval of his parents. I never observed his work ethic in any child. His training method and self-confidence were extremely dissimilar.

The following day, he would decide that he wished to score a hundred points and then do so. He consistently scored a hundred against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, and any other team that he faced because he had engrained in his subconscious the desire to do so. He possessed a strong conviction and the willingness to assume responsibility. His coach, mother, sister, and brother would have been aware of his effort.

You also fielded and bowled in addition to batting. You did this because you wanted to do everything possible for the team, right?

I have bowled and played baseball since I was 14 years old. I used to appreciate fielding and was always determined to stop the ball by any means necessary, even if it meant scraping my skin or falling on both hands. I would practice fielding by myself, even at home. There was a passion for it that I find difficult to articulate. We watched Jonty Rhodes, Mark Waugh fielding at slip, Robin Singh and Ajay Jadeja, Kaif Bhai, and Yuvi Pa as children.

I believe that flexibility and agility are crucial for fielding. We were scarcely aware of gyms as children. My parents practiced yoga, so I followed in their footsteps. This made me extremely flexible and aided me greatly in the field. I was always determined not to lose the ball while fielding because it would be advantageous for the team.

You are the consummate team player. Did you ever believe that if you concentrated on one aspect, such as batting, you would be given more prominence in that area, such as batting at No. 3?

The idea never crossed my mind. In my day, however, the batting order was stacked. Moreover, the decision of the coach and commander is final. If it were my team, I would never abandon the third position. I made it clear that I would bat at No. 3 for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL because I knew I would deliver as anticipated. In Team India, there is a great deal of diversity among the players and their playing styles, so the captain understands where you are best adapted.

Who was the most difficult bowler you’ve faced?

Muralitharan and Malinga come to mind, but in the field, it was MS Dhoni. If he rescued you from the nets, you could not remain with him for one and a half months because he would keep gesturing and reminding you how he rescued you. He could bowl off-spin, medium velocity, and leg spin. In the goal area, he would even defend his front-foot no-balls (laughter). In a test match, he would go for the crimson cherry wherever he could. In England, he would use the full throttle.

How challenging was it to determine that you were done with the game, and what led you to this conclusion?

I played frequently for India, and regardless of the reason why I wasn’t chosen, my level of preparation was unquestionable. After that, I didn’t play for India, but I continued to work diligently because I wanted to play for MS Dhoni Bhai because he has won so much for us. I sensed that there was no longer any reason or motivation after his retirement. When I was not playing for India, not even IPL earnings could motivate me.

After the conclusion of the IPL, I would focus on the Indian team’s excursions for the next nine months. When that ceased, I lost interest in it. You become so accustomed to playing for India and the pride that comes with it that you require a new source of motivation, such as family, once you cease. Growing up, I spent little time at home, and by the time I retired, my father had passed away. Therefore, I want to spend as much time as possible with my children and share the simple pleasures of living with them so that they have these memories when they are older.

How are you appreciating life now that you’re retired?

I am very content.

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to opportunities as a former cricketer. Have you had to decline any opportunities due to competing priorities?

I can compete for another two to three years. Nowadays, there are so many leagues that I can choose which ones to engage in. When I received a call to compete for, say, the UP team, I would immediately accept. Now, however, there are so many organisations that I can choose according to my children’s schedules.

I enjoy music, performing, cooking, and have even been offered roles in films. I want to experience everything in life and I believe that everyone should do the same. When you can’t attempt what you love due to fear of home, society, or lack of money, take a chance on it because you only have one life and you must live it freely, and you will learn something from it.

If Suresh Raina did not play cricket, what would he do instead?

The typical 9-to-5 employment story of a middle-class family.

How do you envision yourself five years from now?

I’m working on a film that should be released next year. Currently, we are preparing for it. There is a lot of planning involved in my singing. I have established two restaurants in Delhi and one restaurant overseas. At the end of the day, I want a smile and delicious cuisine on the table.