New Delhi: During the tour of Bangladesh India’s limited-overs skipper MS Dhoni hinted that he would bat at number four regularly. At the same time, Dhoni also made it clear that Suresh Raina will play the all-important role of a finisher in the side.
As India is set to host South Africa for a lengthy series of 72 days, comprising three T20s, five ODIs and four Tests, swashbuckling batsman Raina is looking all set to grab the new role.
“No.5 and 6 are not easy positions to bat at. You go out there and have to score 15 runs in five balls or 50 in 20 balls. At home I might not get a chance to bat, might get 10-15 overs or only 10 balls.
“But I am prepared for it. I know what my role is. I have batted everywhere except the opening positions, so I know how to bat where. I enjoy that responsibility. MS knows my game inside out and I would be happy to play whatever role he deems is right for me,” Raina told BCCI.TV.
In fact, Raina feels that if the skipper bat at 4 it would make life easier for the batsmen to follow.
“If MS decides to bat at 4 regularly, it will only benefit the team. It will make life easier for the batsmen to follow. He can build the innings with the top-order and accelerate with the lower-middle order.”