Star batsman Suresh Raina will have to wait longer for his ODI return. This is bad news for the star and Team India as well as it is playing against New Zealand with a depleted team. The team is playing without Sikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, R Ashwin, Bhuveshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami. Suresh Raina is a great middle-order batsman. He is also effective as a slow left arm bowler. His absence currently is a big blow to India.
Suresh Raina couldn’t play the first ODI at Dharamsala due to viral fever. The batsman has not fully recovered yet from illness. Hopes of him playing in the second ODI were high when the Indian team posted a picture of him. But, the hopes are dashed with the BCCI statement.
“The BCCI medical team has confirmed that Suresh Raina, who is recovering from a bout of viral fever and had missed the Dharamsala ODI, is ruled out of the second ODI of the PayTm ODI Trophy against New Zealand,” IANS quoted the board statement.
“The team management has allowed Suresh Raina more time to recover. There will be no replacement in the team,” the statement added.
Suresh Raina had been out of the team for a year. Last ODI he played was against South Africa in October 2015. This is a big opportunity for him to play and prove his selection right. This is also a stage for him to forward his candidature for Champion’s Trophy next year. If he plays well here, he might be considered for the ICC tournament.
India have won the first match against New Zealand by 6 wickets. They completely outperformed New Zealand with a great bowling performing. They restricted the Kiwis for a paltry 190 and achieved the target in 33 overs. Virat Kohli scored a run-a-ball 85 to seal the win for India. India had also defeated New Zealand 3-0 in Tests.
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