The former great southpaw Suresh Raina and star Indian batter Virat Kohli have shared a fair amount of cricket matches. Both individuals were a member of the Indian team that ultimately won the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. After representing their nation, both athletes enjoy a strong bond off the pitch.

Recently, Kohli revealed more about his connection with Raina off the pitch. The right-handed batter reflected on his early years before to making an impact for the Indian squad. He remembered being questioned about his gameplay during a tournament where Raina had seen him. He went on to say that Raina had pushed on being included in the playing XI by coach Pravin Amre, even if it meant starting the innings.

“S Badrinath was leading the team in the middle of the competition, and Raina took over as captain. Our coach, Pravin Amre, kept me out of the game. I was playing in the middle order and didn’t do well in the first few games. News18 cited Kohli as saying, “Raina saw me in the nets and asked him, ‘Why isn’t this lad playing?'”

“We couldn’t find a place,” was the response that was received. Regretfully, I had to take Jinx’s (Ajinkya Rahane) place at that point. Amre sir believed that I was unable to begin the innings. However, Suresh Raina remarked, “Please include him; he can do anything.” I answered, ‘I shall do anything, just let me play,’ when they asked if I could open.

And I appreciate Suresh Raina speaking highly of me on my behalf: Virat Kohli

In the match against New Zealand, the Delhi batsman went on to score 12 runs. The outstanding innings was noted by Dileep Vengsarkar, the team’s Indian selector at the time, and it had a big influence on Kohli’s chances of playing for his country. Kohli went on to say that he is appreciative of Raina’s remarks regarding him.

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Hearing about something is one thing, but seeing it with your own eyes is quite another. It has an independent effect. The way he handles pressure and the fact that I made 120 in that game persuaded him to give it another shot. Furthermore, I appreciate Raina speaking well of me,” Kohli said.

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