Raina keen to grab chance

'Have to play very well against Bangladesh A'

Set to play his first competitive game in two and half a months when India ‘A’ takes on Bangladesh ‘A’ in a three-match one-day series, seasoned international Suresh Raina said he was excited about the prospect.

Raina, a limited overs specialist, hasn’t played much cricket since the tour of Bangladesh in June and the 28-year-old said this series will help sharpen his skills ahead of the home series against South Africa.

“It’s a good practice game — I can’t actually say it is practice games because we have lost a series to Bangladesh,” Raina said ahead of a practice session at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday.

“India ‘A’ have done well in the last couple of series so we need to play really well. I’m very excited to play with Rahul Dravid as our coach.”

“We need to play games, we haven’t played much after the Bangladesh series. For practice, I’ve played club cricket. It’s a big opportunity and I’m very positive, I’ve worked really hard and am getting ready for the big series (against South Africa).”

Happy to meet Dravid
Raina said he’s delighted at the prospect of reuniting with Dravid. “I worked really hard when Dravid was the captain. He was very very solid with the youngsters, especially me, Robin Uthappa, Irfan Pathan and lot of other youngsters who came into the team. It gives you lot of confidence.”

Raina, who has been playing international cricket for a decade now, said playing in the ‘A’ team could be a mutually beneficial experience.

“It’s good that I’m playing here. There are youngsters who have done really well. Players who have played for India like Kedar (Jadhav), Manish Pandey and Kuldip (Yadav) are there. (Captain) Unmukt (Chand) is in brilliant — form I can learn something from them and they can hopefully learn something from me.”

While the Indians sweated it out, the Bangladesh ‘A’ team checked into the City on Monday evening. The three one-dayers will be played on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday — all at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.