Mumbai, March 06: For Central Zone skipper Suresh Raina, the Deodhar Trophy quarterfinal against South Zone in Baroda on Saturday will be a test of his captaincy skills.
It isn’t the first time Raina is leading a side. Most notably, he led Uttar Pradesh successfully against Sialkot Stallions in the Mohammad Nissar Trophy in 2006 when Mohammad Kaif was ill.
Raina wants to make a splash this time. “It is a knockout match and we can’t afford to make mistakes. I have got a good opportunity to lead the side and I am happy that the selectors have shown faith in me. I enjoy the challenge of leading,” Raina told DNA before heading to Baroda.
On his rivals, Raina said: “South Zone is a strong side and the teams will be evenly matched. We have quality players including RP Singh, Pankaj Singh, Sudeep Tyagi and Piyush Chawla. The players know that if they perform well they can catch the eye of the selectors.”
Raina is finally comfortable with his role in the ODIs. “I have a security that comes from the faith shown by the captain and the coach in my abilities. Look at Gautam Gambhir. He is performing in all three forms of the game and a lot of his confidence comes from the fact that he is secure,” Raina said.
“I am really happy that my batting has become more consistent. When you realise that you are expected to perform, you work harder and want to do that much better.
“Hopefully, I will be able to do better for India in the upcoming matches. Coach Gary Kirsten has really supported me and so have the seniors,” he said.
DEODHAR SCHEDULE
Quarterfinal: Central Zone v South Zone at Baroda, March 6
1st semifinal: East Zone v North Zone at Baroda, March 7
2nd semifinal: TBA v West Zone at Baroda, March 8
Final: At Baroda, March 9.
–PTI–