Team India’s star batsman in the limited overs format Suresh Raina has finally revealed what kept him out of the game in the previous few months stating that he was treating his ailing daughter.
Speaking to the Indian Express, Raina said: “Logon ka kaam chahiye bolne ka – aisa hai, waisa hai (People just need to talk. This, that)”. “I have to take my daughter to the hospital, I have to do the work at home and I can’t see how people can criticise me for that? Bahar ka banda nahi aayega na yeh sab karne (Nobody from outside will come and do it)?”
“I had informed my state selectors and BCCI. And I had to pull out after playing few Ranji games and Duleep. If I don’t take care of my young daughter or get some work done at home, who will?”
“It was a testing couple of months, and I had to miss out on cricket but circumstances were such – my health and my daugther’s. If that leads to criticism, then what can I say? Any family man can hopefully understand it – take bollywood for example: Shahid Kapoor took a decision to not act for 6 months after the birth of his daughter. Even Harbhajan Singh also took some time out with his new born daughter. All this can’t be criticised but logon ka kaam hai, kehna,” he added.
The southpaw has now recovered from his illness and will lead Gujarat Lions in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Now by performing well in the IPL, Raina have a chance to impress the selectors before the ICC Champions Trophy beginning in June.
“I was out for viral and illness, and couldn’t train much. It all had an effect but I am fully recovered now and started training. I am fit and ready to play IPL. Tabiyat kharaab tha, bhai, couldn’t train properly and logon ney shuru kar diya!,” he said.
“I have played for 12-13 years and not once has been my focus and dedication being questioned. What can I react when I don’t even know who this coach is? They didn’t take any name and I don’t know who it is. Koi be xyz kuch bol dega and what can I comment about it?And some nameless figure is now saying stuff or so the report claimed,” he added.
Also speaking on why he was dropped from the contract list Raina said he had got no clue since he had played in a T20 game for India in the last 6 months which is the only benchmark in retaining a contract.
“As far as BCCI contracts, my understanding is that if in the last six months you had played for India, you would at least be slotted in the C group. And I had played in T20 game. So I don’t know what happened. I don’t know whether they have changed their rules. Anyway my focus is to get back to playing for India,” he concluded.
