Suresh Raina Surpasses Kohli's IPL Batting Records
A blitzkrieg knock of 84 runs by Gujarat Lions Captain on Friday broke Kohli's highest runs scored by an Indian player in the Indian Premier League.
Image: Team Gujarat Lions - Courtesy Google
Suresh Raina, when he's on song, he has the capability not only to destroy but literally pulverize any bowling attack in the world. Something of this sort happened on Friday against KKR in IPL and he's broken two of the records which're earlier held by the Indian captain Virat Kohli, and these're the highest runs in T20.
Chasing a relatively tough target of 188, he took the KKR bowlers to the mats and hit them disdainfully all over the park. He played a brilliant match-winning 46-ball 84 runs which helped Gujarat win the match by four wickets. In his powerful batting display, he surpassed Kohli and set new milestones of T20 cricket.
Image: Captain Suresh Raina Gujarat Lions Courtesy Google
Now, Raina has become the leading Indian run-getter in the history of the IPL. He has made 4341 runs in 147 innings, while Kohli has 4264 runs in 134 innings that he has played in the IPL, which's so much cash.
In this match, he was able to go beyond Kohli’s record of most runs by a player in the shortest version of T20 game. If we look at the records over all, we find Kohli has made 6667 runs 212 T20 matches while Raina has made 6673 runs in 251 matches. In comparison, he has played more number of T20 Matches.
By no means, this feat should be taken lightly because being compared against a player like Kohli in IPL itself remains a huge challenge for any player and more so when Virat Kohli is such a fierce competitor.
For Raina, I always had a feeling if he could develop few more techniques to negotiate the short balls with greater ease and authority then he'll be mighty successful in one day internationals too. I would say rather in all formats of the game. He already has those grit, determination and the ability to play a wide array of shots both on side and off side of the wicket so well that his drives are flawless and a great statement.
It's he who himself is to be blamed, since he plays so well that he evokes even more expectations in the hearts of his fans and followers. He is a proven champion and a class act when he gets going and the number of matches he has won for India are priceless. We all hope he continues his performance in top gear and brings more moment of joy with his unfathomable ability and performance.
Raina is a treat to watch when on song but the game is cruel too and at times it demands day in day out same performance. With much so hype around, you are aoften a topi of tight scrutiny and observation. On the other hand, knowing him and his steely resolve I think nothing would be difficult for him achieve.
