It was double bonanza for Suresh Raina on Thursday. He became the first batsman in the history of the Indian Premier League to register 300 runs in each edition of the tournament and saw his side Gujarat Lions beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets to notch up their third win of the IPL 2017 season. (SCORECARD)
The stylish left-hander required just 25 runs to reach the feat and Suresh Raina brought it up with a single down to the square region.
Last year, Suresh Raina had aggregated 399 runs with Gujarat Lions during their maiden season. It was his second lowest in the past nine editions after he joined them from Chennai Super Kings, which has been banned for two years.
{{/usCountry}}Last year, Suresh Raina had aggregated 399 runs with Gujarat Lions during their maiden season. It was his second lowest in the past nine editions after he joined them from Chennai Super Kings, which has been banned for two years.
{{/usCountry}}Besides lifting the silverware twice with Chennai Super Kings, Suresh Raina is also the most experienced campaigner in the IPL with 155 games to his name.
Raina has managed to score more than 500 runs in a single season thrice -- in 2010, 2013 and 2014; in which Chennai Super Kings had managed to lift the trophy in 2010.
His form had however dipped of late, with him failing to cross the 400-mark in the last two seasons. He had scored 374 runs with Chennai Super Kings during their last stint in the competition.
But this season, Raina seems to have shrugged the problems aside and averages 61.8 in the eight matches he has played so far.
Although Gujarat Lions are far from being in a comfortable position -- sixth with six points from eight games -- Suresh Raina has been leading the side from front.
He’s currently the orange cap holder as well but leads Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir by just four runs.
(With inputs from S. Pervez Qaiser)
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Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score and get exclusive insights with the IPL Match Today, IPL Points Table match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and IPL Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.