PM Modi Writes to Suresh Raina: 'You are way too young and energetic to Retire'

After his letter to MS Dhoni, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Suresh Raina as well. PM Modi distinctly remembers Suresh Raina’s elegant cover drives during the epic 2011 World Cup quarter-final against Australia in Ahmedabad, something that, he feels, the all-rounder’s numerous fans will miss after he followed Mahendra Singh Dhoni into international retirement.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Pens a Heartfelt Appreciation Note To Former India Skipper MS Dhoni

The 33-year-old Raina, a member of the 2011 World Cup winning India team, announced his retirement on August 15, minutes after Dhoni decided to call it quits internationally.

PM Modi:

“I do not want to use the word ‘retirement’ because you are too young and energetic to ‘retire’,” PM Modi, who also wrote a letter of appreciation to Dhoni, said a two-page note to Raina.

“During your cricketing career, you sometimes faced setbacks including injuries but every time you overcame those challenges, thanks to your tenacity,” he said.

Suresh Raina:

Raina, on his part, thanked the Prime Minister.

“When we play, we give our blood & sweat for the nation. No better appreciation than being loved by the people of this country and even more by the country’s PM. Thank you @narendramodi ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind,” the cricketer tweeted.

https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1296651450974498817

In the letter, Modi recollected how much he enjoyed Raina’s most famous innings of 34 not out in a tricky run-chase against a formidable Australia in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final at Motera.

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“India can never forget your inspiring role during the 2011 World Cup especially during the later matches. I saw you live in action at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, during the Quarter Final against Australia. Your anchoring innings had a big role to play in our team’s victory.

“I can confidently say that most fans will miss your elegant cover drives, one which I was lucky to witness that day,” said the PM, who was back then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

PM Modi pens an appreciation note:

The PM also described Raina as the perfect team-man who enjoyed others’ successes.

“…Suresh Raina will always be synonymous with team spirit. You played not for personal glory but for the glory of your team and the glory of India.

“Your enthusiasm on the field was infectious and we could all witness that you would be among the first and most animated players to celebrate the fall of opposing team’s wicket,” the PM wrote.

A bonafide IPL legend, Raina was praised by the Prime Minister for his prowess in the T20 format.

“As a batsman, you especially distinguished yourself across all mediums and particularly in the newest form of the game, the T20 cricket. This is not an easy format.

“In tune with our times, it requires quick fixes in double quick time. Again your promptness and speed were assets for this form,” Modi said, lavishing praise on the IPL’s most prolific batsman.

His sharp fielding was also acknowledged in the Prime Minister’s appreciation letter.

The PM also praised Raina for his participation in social initiatives like ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. And the cause of women’s empowerment.

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh Express Shock Over Suresh Raina’s Retirement

The two players, Dhoni and Raina, who are close friends as well, will turn up for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL now.

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