India confident, says Raina

Suresh Raina said on Monday that the Indians were confident of doing well in the T20s and the tri-series after their disastrous outings in the Test series, which they lost 4-0.

“It’s going to be a good challenge for us. We are confident that we can play good cricket against Australia and Sri Lanka. Last time we had won the CB series here, and more or less the same players are around this time, and they know the conditions here, and how to approach the one-dayers here. But we will try to play with a good level of intensity here,” Raina told reporters at Sydney Olympic Stadium.

The left-hander said the results in the tri-series would matter for a young Indian side. “Of course the results will matter. We are playing the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“All the youngsters are playing here, so the youngsters will benefit from a long-term perspective.”

Indian squad got a touch of youth with the addition of Raina, Praveen Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja to the squad. The UP batsman said the youngsters were raring to go.
“A lot of youngsters have come from India. They have been playing a lot of first-class cricket, and have done really well in the last couple of months. Everyone is raring to go. You are going to see different cricket from India,” he said.

Raina said fielding would play a big role in India’s fortunes in the series. “Fielding is going to be a big factor. We have to take some brilliant catches and effect brilliant run-outs. We have a good combination as well.”

Raina said he has been working on his technique ahead of the tour of Australia. “I went to the NCA, and worked on my wrist position. Then I went to Mumbai and trained on some bouncy wickets at the MIG ground, and got some good tips from (Dinesh) Nanavati and Sandeep Patil sir. So, I have put in a lot of effort.

“I also did well in the West Indies. I played three-four games in domestic cricket and got a double hundred. Hopefully, when I get my chance, I can prove my worth,” he said.