Full Name: Suresh Kumar Raina
Date of Birth: November 27, 1986
Age: 37 years (as of 2024)
Place of Birth: Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Profession: Cricketer (Retired)
Batting Style: Left-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-spin
Role in Team: Middle-order Batter
Net Worth: 200 Crores
Early Life and Education:
Born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, Suresh Raina came from a middle-class household. Of his four siblings—two brothers and two sisters—he was the youngest. He had a deep love for cricket from an early age, which characterised his early years. Raina originally became interested in cricket while attending his hometown’s Jyoti Niketan Public School. He eventually relocated to Lucknow to further his cricketing aspirations after demonstrating early talent and passion for the game.
Raina’s growing cricket career overshadowed his official studies because he was more interested in the game from an early age. He represented Uttar Pradesh in a number of age-group competitions and gained immediate recognition for his powerful batting abilities. His cricket career was further hastened when he was chosen to play for India’s Under-19 squad, marking his breakthrough. Despite lacking a conventional academic background, Raina’s passion for cricket allowed him to earn a berth in the Indian national squad at the age of 19. There, he quickly established himself as one of the country’s most important players in limited-overs formats.
Domestic and International Career:
At the age of sixteen, Raina made his Uttar Pradesh first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy. National selectors were immediately drawn to his aggressive hitting style and deft fielding. He gained a position in the T20I and Test teams after making his ODI debut for India in 2005.
Raina had a significant role in the Indian team’s victory at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. His ability to finish games and his fearless batting style made him one of the most dependable middle-order players. His ability to field and occasionally bowl off-spin gave the team additional value.
IPL Career:
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Suresh Raina came to be associated with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Being one of the league’s most reliable players, he was dubbed “Mr. IPL.” His outstanding leadership qualities and run-scoring prowess were major factors in CSK’s several championship victories.
When CSK faced a two-year suspension, Raina played for the Gujarat Lions for a short time before rejoining the team and continuing to deliver outstanding performances.
Personal Life:
Suresh Raina was born in a middle-class household in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, on November 27, 1986. A son named Rio was born in 2020, and a girl named Gracia was born in 2016. He is married to Priyanka Chaudhary, a buddy from his youth. Raina frequently posts pictures of himself with his family on social media, demonstrating his strong relationship with them.
Through the Raina Foundation, he is also actively involved in philanthropy, promoting subjects like as health and education. Raina took a vacation from cricket in 2020 after his uncle and cousins were killed in a robbery, causing a terrible loss for his family. Outside of cricket, Raina loves to play badminton, travel, and be physically active. Alongside MS Dhoni, Raina announced his retirement from international cricket in 2020 following a stellar career.
Legacy and Achievements:
Suresh Raina has made a substantial impact on Indian cricket, especially in limited-overs formats. He was the first cricket player from India to reach a century in each of the game’s three formats. He gained recognition and respect all throughout the world for his game-winning performances, particularly under pressure.
Raina is still actively involved in promoting cricket and coaching new players even after he retired from international cricket. Future generations of cricket players will continue to draw inspiration from his history as one of India’s best middle-order batsmen and an IPL mainstay.