Anil Kumble is the reason behind Kuldeep Yadav’s success, says Suresh Raina

New Delhi: Out of favour Suresh Raina has been out of Team India squad for a long time and the 30-year-old said he is working hard to earn his place back in the team.

However, praising Kuldeep Yadav for his recent exploits in international cricket, India discard Suresh Raina on Thursday said credit should be given to former head coach Anil Kumble for shaping the young spinner.

“Kuldeep (Yadav) is doing very well and the credit goes to Anil Bhai (Anil Kumble). He worked really hard with him,” Raina told reporters at an event in Mumbai.

“I was talking to him (Kuldeep) in the IPL and he always used to message Anil Bhai. He is the product of Anil Kumble.”

“He (Kuldeep) has done well with (former Australian chinaman) Brad Hogg. He is the guy who will change everything in the bowling department,” he said.

The 22-year-old chinaman from Kanpur was impressive in his debut Test series against Australia and also became the third Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in ODIs against the Aussies in the last series.

“I am working hard and there is nothing tough in life if you enjoy your process and enjoy your cricket and I have always done that,” he said.

“When I got injured that was a difficult time of my life. So it (the comeback) is nothing and I am enjoying it and things will come in my time,” the former Chennai Super Kings player said.

There were reports that Raina failed the Yo-Yo Test.

Asked about it, Raina quipped, “You speak to BCCI.”

Raina-led Uttar Pradesh lost to Railways in the Ranji Trophy opener after they were bundled out for 72 in the fourth innings chasing 94.

On the loss, Raina said, “The boys are still learning. The wicket was little different. We have still five more games to go and after that match, we had a chat.”