Sport · India Bureau
Raina Opens Up On World Cup Omission That Led To Retirement
Former India batsman Suresh Raina has discussed his exclusion from the 2019 ODI World Cup squad, a decision that ultimately prompted his international retirement three years later. The veteran middle-order batsman was dropped during a period of significant transition in Indian cricket under captain Virat Kohli.
LSN India ·
Suresh Raina has revisited one of the defining moments of his international career—his omission from India's 2019 Cricket World Cup squad in England. The left-handed batsman, who had represented India across all formats for over a decade, said the exclusion was a significant juncture in his decision-making process regarding his future in the sport.
Raina, who represented India in 226 ODIs and 78 Test matches, eventually announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020 at age 33. His departure came during a transitional phase in Indian cricket, marked by changes in leadership and squad composition under captain Virat Kohli and during the tenure of head coach Anil Kumble.
The 2019 World Cup snub proved to be a turning point for the seasoned batsman, who had been a mainstay of India's middle order for several years. The decision to overlook Raina for the prestigious tournament signaled shifting priorities in selection strategy, with the team management opting to back younger talent and alternative options at the time.
Raina's revelation underscores the challenges faced by experienced players navigating squad rotations and the competitive nature of international cricket. His subsequent retirement marked the end of a notable career that had contributed significantly to Indian cricket across multiple decades and formats.