Mumbai: Omitted from India’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy to be played in England, Suresh Raina, who was a part of the India’s triumphant side in 2013, expressed disappointment over the snub.
Although Raina, who last played an ODI in October 2015, is on the standby list along side Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur and Dinesh Karthik, he is “hurt” over the exclusion from the Virat Kohli-led Indian side for the ICC event.
“What can I say now? It’s really disappointing and hurting. I was expecting a comeback call this time,” Raina said in an interview to Hindustan Times.
“I have been performing well and consistently, proving myself in the ongoing IPL season. Certainly it is not on the expected lines but I would let my bat do the talking as I am sure of my comeback in the Indian squad one day,” added the Gujarat Lions skipper.
While his IPL side is out of contention to reach playoffs, Raina said he will continue to score runs to help the team win games.
“Right now I am focusing on my remaining matches in the IPL and would try to score as much as I can for the team’s victory,” said Raina.
“Wins in the remaining matches will lift the spirit of the team though we have already missed the cut for the play-offs,” concluded the southpaw.
Raina, who has played 223 ODIs for India, has 5568 runs against his name. in addition to 36 wickets. His last international game in Indian colours was a T20 against England in February this year.
Indian squad for Champions Trophy 2017:
