Suresh Raina is one of the most beloved and successful cricketers in the history of Indian cricket. Known for his explosive batting, sharp fielding, and versatile all-round skills, Raina has played a key role in many of India’s cricketing triumphs, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory. His contributions to the Indian team have not only made him a household name in the cricket world but have also earned him a lasting place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
From his early beginnings in Uttar Pradesh to becoming one of the most valuable players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Raina’s journey is an inspiring one. This article delves deep into his life, covering his age, family background, career achievements, net worth, height, and more.
Introduction: Who is Suresh Raina?
Suresh Raina is an Indian cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the finest middle-order batsmen and one of the best fielders in the history of Indian cricket. Known for his aggressive and attacking playing style, Raina made his debut for India in 2005 and quickly established himself as a regular member of the Indian national team. Over the years, he became an integral part of the Indian squad, especially in limited-overs formats like One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
Raina’s most notable achievement came in 2011, when he was part of the Indian cricket team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup. He played crucial roles in both the middle order and as a fielder, contributing to India’s first World Cup win in 28 years. Apart from his success on the international front, Raina has been an important figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since the inception of the league. His IPL career has been remarkable, earning him accolades as one of the best performers in the tournament’s history.
Despite facing some challenges in the later stages of his career, including being dropped from the national team, Raina’s legacy in Indian cricket remains secure, with his aggressive batting, leadership qualities, and contributions to Indian cricket being fondly remembered.
Suresh Raina’s Age and Early Life
Suresh Raina was born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, making him 37 years old as of 2024. Raina was born into a middle-class family, and his early years were marked by a love for cricket. He was drawn to the sport from a young age and displayed a natural talent for batting. His family, recognizing his potential, supported his dreams, and he soon began honing his skills in the local cricket scene.
Raina’s early cricketing journey took him from the streets of Muradnagar to the cricket fields of Uttar Pradesh. He made his debut for the Uttar Pradesh state team in domestic cricket at the age of 16 and impressed selectors with his aggressive batting style. His success at the domestic level led to his call-up to the national team in 2005, marking the beginning of a glittering international career.
Suresh Raina’s Family
Suresh Raina hails from a family that has always been supportive of his cricketing ambitions. His father, Tirath Raina, worked in the military, while his mother, Parmeshwari Raina, has been a constant pillar of support throughout his career. Raina’s family played a crucial role in his early cricketing development, often encouraging him to follow his passion for the sport despite the challenges that came with it.
Raina’s close-knit family also includes his two brothers, Dinesh Raina and Rohit Raina, who have been supportive of his journey. He is married to Priyanka Chaudhary Raina, whom he married in 2015. Together, the couple has two children, a daughter named Gracia Raina and a son named Rio Raina. Family plays an important role in Raina’s life, and he often shares heartfelt posts and moments with them on social media.
Suresh Raina’s Career Achievements
Suresh Raina’s cricketing career is marked by several key milestones and remarkable performances. Some of his major achievements include:
International Debut: Raina made his ODI debut for India in 2005 against Sri Lanka, and his T20I debut came in 2010 against South Africa. His ability to play aggressive cricket in the limited-overs format was apparent from the very beginning.
2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: Raina played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory. He scored an important 36 runs in the quarterfinals against Australia and was part of the team that triumphed in the final against Sri Lanka. Raina’s contribution in the field was also significant, with his quick reflexes making him a key fielder.
T20I Success: Raina is India’s first player to score a half-century in T20Is. He was known for his ability to provide the team with quick-fire innings in the middle order and his fielding skills, often being utilized as a dynamic fielder in key positions.
Indian Premier League (IPL): Raina is one of the all-time greats of the IPL. As a core player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he played a key role in the team’s success, including winning multiple IPL titles. He has been one of the most consistent run-scorers in the history of the IPL, scoring over 5,000 runs in the tournament.
Retirement from International Cricket: In 2020, Suresh Raina announced his retirement from international cricket, following in the footsteps of his close friend and former captain, MS Dhoni. Raina’s retirement was a poignant moment for Indian cricket, as he had been an integral part of the team for over a decade.
Suresh Raina’s Net Worth
Suresh Raina’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million (approximately ₹180 crores). A significant portion of his wealth comes from his lucrative career in the IPL, where he earned substantial amounts for his performances with CSK. Raina is also a brand ambassador for several major companies, contributing to his income. Additionally, he has been involved in various business ventures, including investments in the fitness industry and charity work through his Raina Foundation.
Suresh Raina’s Height
Suresh Raina stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). While not the tallest player on the field, Raina’s athleticism, agility, and fielding skills made him one of the most energetic and agile cricketers in the world.
Conclusion
Suresh Raina’s legacy in Indian cricket is solidified by his contribution to both the national team and the IPL. As one of the finest middle-order batsmen India has produced, Raina’s ability to play under pressure, combined with his sharp fielding skills, made him a key player in India’s cricketing success. His journey from a young boy in Uttar Pradesh to an international cricket legend is an inspiration to millions of aspiring cricketers. Despite retiring from international cricket, Raina continues to be a beloved figure in the world of Indian cricket, and his impact on the game will continue to be felt for years to come.