Winning T20 series with a bang the aim for Raina

Suresh Raina wanted to make use of the domestic matches, especially the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 to ready himself for the three T20 games on tour to Down Under.

After being ignored for the one-day side, left-hander Suresh Raina wanted to make use of the domestic matches, especially the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 to ready himself for the three T20 games on tour to Down Under.

Suresh Raina will be joining in the India squad for the three T20s against Australia. (Reuters Photo)

His commitment paid off as he not only led Uttar Pradesh to lay their hands on the coveted trophy for the first time, but polished his willow with a match-winning unbeaten 47. Just before boarding the flight on tour to Australia, the powerful hitter spoke of goals in Australia.

Q: What is your mission is Australia after Team India’s series loss in ODIs?

A: I am a team man and going there to score runs as much as I can. I would like to see India winning series with bang. I am committed for a good show and will leave no stone unturned to make it true.

Q: Were you disappointed to be ignored for the ODI series?

A: No not at all. It was what selectors felt about me and I accepted it. They expressed faith in me for T20 so I have to excel in this format of the game. If I keep doing well, I would again be in the side for other formats also.

A: You learn something in every game, and I believe that these three matches are very important for me as I won’t only get to know about the Australian’s style of play, but would help me plan my strategy against the Aussies bowlers.

Q: Do you want to bat at a certain number in Australia?

A: Every batting position requires a certain kind of urgency for shots. I would be happy to bat at No 3 as I believe that this would be most suited to my style of batting, but it all depends of team’s game plan. I have got my own style of batting and some or less my role is of a game changer.

Q: Are the Australians a better side than India after seeing the ODI series results?

A: In ‘fatafat’ style of cricket, you don’t even know that who wins a match on a particular day. I won’t like to comment on Australian’s ODI series win, but can say that Team India would be a different bunch of players in the T20 series and people would know themselves who the better team is.