Suresh Raina bids adieu to international cricket officially with a heartfelt note

One of the greatest southpaws produced by Indian cricket, Suresh Raina, decided to draw curtains to his excellent international career, shortly after MS Dhoni’s announcement on Saturday.

Now, the UP cricketer has issued an official statement regarding his retirement from international cricket, with a long heartfelt note.

Raina, in his statement, talked about cricket running through his veins, and counted his blessings for being provided with an opportunity at the highest level.

He then thanked his family, coach, friends, teammates and his army of fans for being part of his arduous journey.

Despite a career plagued with injuries, Raina made strong comebacks into the national team. Raina thanked his close ones for assisting him with relentless support during the lows of his career.

“With a lot of mixed feelings, I’m able to make this announcement of my retirement. All I have known is cricket, all I have done is cricket & it runs through my veins. There hasn’t been a single day without counting my blessings & without acknowledging everything I have received from god & my people who showered nothing but love on me,” Raina’s statement read.

“I had multiple surgeries, setbacks & moments when I felt that this is it but I didn’t stop or settle for anything which was not justified,” his statement read further.

In his public issue, Raina tagged Dhoni as his friend and mentor. Also, he included the likes of Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid in his gratitude post.

“My boys in BLUE, nothing would have been possible without the support of the wonderful India Team in blue. I had the pleasure of playing with the best of the very best players and all of them played for Team India. I feel lucky to have played under the captaincy of some of the best minds in the game Rahul Bhai, Anil Bhai, Sachin Paaji, Chiku and especially with @mahi7781 for guiding me as a friend and mentor.”

“Thank you @indiancricketteam and @upcacricket for the all the support and making the dreams of a boy from UP wanting to play for team India come true. And lastly my fans, I am what I am because of the love and adulation that you have showered upon me thru the years.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone who supported me in playing International Cricket at the highest level. I’ll always be filled with nothing but gratitude.” Raina’s statement concluded.