Former India cricketer Suresh Raina delivers a scorching retort to a Pakistani journalist’s jibe, asserting his pride in owning the 2011 World Cup trophy. Suresh Raina‘s epic reply on social media came in response to mockery following Shahid Afridi’s appointment as ICC ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Suresh Raina primarily batted in the lower-middle order, tasked with accelerating the scoring rate after the top order had laid a strong foundation. This strategy allowed India to capitalise on strong starts and put up imposing totals. Raina, known for his clean hitting, was perfectly suited for this role.
While Suresh didn’t score a century throughout the WC 2011, Suresh Raina played some crucial innings that proved to be turning points. In the high-pressure quarter-final against Australia and the semi-final against Pakistan, he scored valuable fifties. These knocks not only boosted India’s final score but also provided crucial momentum and put pressure on the opposition bowlers. He was even awarded the “best fielder” title by the BCCI before the finals.
The journalist, seemingly taking a dig at Raina, posted about Shahid Afridi’s appointment as the T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador, suggesting Raina might be envious. Suresh Raina fired back with a witty response, reminding everyone that he, unlike Afridi, actually owns a World Cup winner’s medal, referencing India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup. He even referenced the iconic India vs Pakistan semi-final in that tournament, where he played a crucial knock.
The Social Media Fever
The Pakistani journalist took to to X and wrote,
“ICC has named Shahid Afridi as ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina?”
To this Suresh Raina replied,
“I’m not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you.”
Suresh Raina Trolled Shahid Afridi
In a recent exchange with fellow commentator Aakash Chopra, Suresh Raina playfully trolled Shahid Afridi when asked about a potential comeback from retirement. Raina cheekily responded, stating he’s not Afridi to make a U-turn.
He said,
“Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi.” (I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi)
Afridi made multiple announcements regarding his retirement throughout his international career spanning from 2006 to 2017 across various formats. He ultimately bid farewell to international cricket in 2018.
Meanwhile, Raina has donned the Indian jersey in 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, accumulating 7988 runs, including seven centuries and 49 half-centuries. The part-time off-spinner has also claimed 62 wickets. He declared his retirement from international cricket alongside former India captain MS Dhoni on August 15, 2020.
Raina boasts a remarkable IPL record, featuring in 205 matches and amassing 5528 runs, comprising one century and 39 half-centuries. He stands fifth in the list of top IPL run-scorers, trailing David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli. Additionally, he has clinched 25 wickets. Presently, Raina is actively engaged as a commentator.