Raina is often considered one of the best campers in the world of cricket. This Indian cricketer is the first Indian batter to touch the international cricket form in all three centuries. He is known as a fearless mid-order left-hand batter and a part-time off-spin bowler. So far, he’s been the second-youngest captain in the Indian cricket team as he has led the team at a very early age. In all formats of local cricket, Suresh Raina represents Uttar Pradesh, his native land. He was provided the vice-captaincy rank for the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions team in IPL.
Suresh Raina is one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, known for his explosive batting, exceptional fielding, and contributions to Indian cricket across formats. A left-handed middle-order batsman and an occasional off-spin bowler, Raina has been an integral part of India’s success in international cricket. This biography highlights his journey, achievements, and legacy.
Early Life and Background
Suresh Raina was born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. He hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family and grew up in a disciplined environment. From a young age, Raina displayed a passion for cricket, often playing in local grounds and impressing coaches with his natural talent.
In 2000, at the age of 14, Raina joined the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow, where he began rigorous cricket training. His dedication and hard work soon paid off when he was selected to represent Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket.
Personal Life Summery
On November 27, 1986, the famous Indian player Suresh Raina was born in Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father, Trilok Chand, was a retired military officer back then and was postponed to Uttar Pradesh. He was actually from Rainawari, Jammu & Kashmir, where he used to be in the Kashmiri Pandits Community. However, Suresh Raina’s mother was from Dharmashala, Himachal Pradesh, India. However, after his father shifted to Muradnagar, then Suresh Raina was born. There he had to lead a quite strict lifestyle with his other three siblings. Naresh Raina, Dinesh Raina, and Mukesh Raina are his three older brothers, and Renu is his older sister. Dinesh is a school teacher and is 8 years older than Suresh.
On April 3, 2015, Suresh Raina was married to Priyanka Chaudhary. Priyanka Raina, also known as Priyanka Chowdhury, was his friend of childhood. They grew up in the same city together, which made them gradually fall for each other. However, Suresh Raina’s mother decided to marry them off during the Australia Cricket World Cup. They have been blessed with their daughter Gracia Raina after a year of their marriage. On May 14, 2016, Priyanka Raina gave birth to their lovely baby girl in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| Born | Nov 27, 1986 (38 years) |
| Birth Place | Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| Role | Batsman |
| Batting Style | Left Handed Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm offbreak |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Teams | India, Chennai Super Kings, India Blue, India U19, Board Presidents XI, Uttar Pradesh, India A, Rest of India, Central Zone, Indians, Gujarat Lions, India Green, India C |
Career Life Summery
Suresh Raina was always interested in cricket games. In 2000, he decided to become a famous cricketer, so he moved from Muradnagar to Lucknow to attend Guru Gobind Singh Sports College. He was Uttar Pradesh Captain U-16s. In 2002, he was nominated for the U-19 England tour for 15 and half years, where he made a half-century duo in the U-19 Tests.
Later that year, the U-17 team traveled to Sri Lanka. He debuted in February 2003 with the Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy against Assam at the age of 16, but only the following season did he play. At the time of his career, he took part in the U-19 Asian ODI Championship in Pakistan in late 2003. During this match, he hit three half-centuries, of which 90 balls were just 38. Having received the Border-Gavaskar bursary, he could study at Cricket Academy in Australia.
Domestic Career
Raina made his Ranji Trophy debut for Uttar Pradesh in the 2003-04 season, showcasing his potential as a reliable middle-order batsman. Over the years, he became a key player for his state team, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
International Career
ODI Debut
Suresh Raina made his One Day International (ODI) debut on July 30, 2005, against Sri Lanka. Although he did not have an ideal start, he soon established himself as a dependable batsman in India’s middle order.
T20I Debut
Raina’s T20 International (T20I) debut came on December 1, 2006, against South Africa. He was among the first Indian cricketers to excel in the shortest format, contributing significantly to India’s success in T20 cricket.
Test Debut
Raina made his Test debut on July 26, 2010, against Sri Lanka, scoring a brilliant century (120 runs) in his very first innings. This feat made him the 12th Indian cricketer to achieve a century on Test debut.
Notable Achievements
- World Cup Winner (2011): Raina played a crucial role in India’s victorious 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, contributing with both the bat and in the field.
- T20 Pioneer: Raina was the first Indian to score a century in T20 Internationals, achieving the milestone against South Africa in the 2010 ICC World T20.
- IPL Legend: Representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Raina is one of the all-time leading run-scorers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His consistency and aggressive batting earned him the nickname “Mr. IPL.”
- Fielding Excellence: Raina’s agility and sharp reflexes made him one of the best fielders of his generation. He is often remembered for his spectacular catches and run-outs.
IPL Career
Suresh Raina’s association with the Chennai Super Kings is legendary. He has been a cornerstone of CSK’s success, contributing with the bat, ball, and in the field. His IPL milestones include:
- Scoring over 5,500 runs in the tournament.
- Being among the top players in terms of total appearances and consistency.
- Helping CSK win multiple IPL titles under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
Raina briefly played for the Gujarat Lions during CSK’s two-year suspension but returned to the franchise after their reinstatement.
Suresh Raina Biography Overview
At the beginning of 2005, he made a limited-over debut in his first class and averaged 645 runs that season. Raina was dropped from the BCCI’s Annual Retainership in 2017 after failing to maintain a regular Indian squad.
Suresh Raina is the first Indian batsman who attained century scores in all three formats game.
Suresh Raina had lent a Bollywood song, ‘TuMili Sab Mila,’ from the movie ‘Meeruthiya Gangster’ in September 2015. In January 2018, in the name of his wife’s radio show ‘The Priyanka Raina Show.’, he sang the song ‘Bitiya Rani’ to encourage girls’ support.
Personal Life
Suresh Raina married Priyanka Chaudhary on April 3, 2015. The couple is blessed with two children, a daughter named Gracia and a son named Rio. Raina is a family-oriented individual and often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media.
Suresh Raina Net Worth
Suresh Raina is currently placed in the C Grade of BCCI retainership contract and is paid a yearly sum of INR 1 crore. Apart from that, he receives a match fee of INR 35000 per match for domestic matches as a member of the senior team.
The Indian cricket player Suresh Kumar Raina keeps his record in India’s Premier League of most games. He is a T20 specialist who possesses around 25 million dollars net worth.
For playing in the international matches, Suresh Raina receives INR 15 lakh per Test, INR 6 lakh per ODI and INR 3 lakh per T20I played by him from the BCCI.
Retirement
On August 15, 2020, Suresh Raina announced his retirement from international cricket, coinciding with MS Dhoni’s retirement. Although he retired from international formats, Raina continued to play in domestic leagues and the IPL until his departure from competitive cricket in 2022.
Legacy
Suresh Raina’s contributions to Indian cricket go beyond numbers. He was a team player, a mentor to younger cricketers, and a symbol of consistency and versatility. His ability to adapt to various formats, coupled with his positive attitude, made him a fan favorite.
Philanthropy
Raina is actively involved in charitable activities through the Gracia Raina Foundation (GRF), which focuses on women’s health and empowerment. He has also supported numerous causes related to child welfare and education.
Conclusion
Suresh Raina’s journey from a young boy in Uttar Pradesh to an international cricketing icon is a story of determination, talent, and perseverance. His legacy as one of India’s finest cricketers and his contributions to the sport will continue to inspire generations to come.
