5 players who can replace Suresh Raina: India’s left-hand batsman Suresh Raina is one of the most destructive player in the limited overs format. Raina is the first Indian batsman to score century in all the three formats of cricket. Suresh Raina was surprise omission for the India’s latest T20I series against West Indies at Florida. During the World T20, he failed to perform with the bat. Now, he is playing Duleep Trophy for India Green as he scored 35 and 90 in the first match against India Red.
If selectors removes Suresh Raina from the squad, then here are the 5 players who can fulfill the Suresh Raina’s position in the limited overs format.
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Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey, the first Indian player to score a century in Indian Premier League (IPL). He can smash the fast bowlers and his active fielding is the another reason to replace Suresh Raina. Pandey helped KKR to lift the IPL final against KXIP in 2014.
Manish Pandey also scored an unbeaten ODI century against Australia in Australia and helped his team to chase down 330 runs.
Sanju Samson
India U19 team coach Rahul Dravid said that Samson is the one to look out for in the future. In 2013, he performed consistenly for Rajasthan Royals. After his inconsistency, he did not get the call from BCCI.
However, he impressed the selectors India and selected for the tour to England in August-September 2014. After Dhoni’s retirement from limited overs cricket, Samson will keep the Wicketkeeper’s position.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is the one who can smash the opponents with both bat and ball. He scored an unbeatedn 31-ball 61 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2015. In Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, he finished with the top scorer for Baroda as he scored 377 runs in 10 innings witn an average of 53.85 and also grabed 10 wickets.
He made his International debut in Australia and impressed in the Asia Cup. After his poor performance in IPL 2016, he failed to find the place in Indian team. If he performs well, he can replace Suresh Raina in the limited over format.
Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan has the highest score in the Harris Shield interschool tournament, making 439 in an innings which includes 56 fours and 12 sixes. He performed well in the U19 World Cup for India. His ability is hitting the big shots and surely he will become the best finisher for Team India.
Suryakumar Yadav
The Mumbai batsman Suryakumar Yadav was the highest run getter for Mumbai in his second Ranji Season. In 2014, he signed for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL, after he signed for KKR team, he has finished the game several times.