Suresh Raina Reflects on Iconic T20I Century and Memorable Matches

In a recent interview, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina reflected on his iconic T20I century and shared insights about his favorite matches. He discussed the significance of his first T20I century during the 2010 World Cup and recalled a memorable partnership with MS Dhoni in the 2015 World Cup against Zimbabwe. Raina also expressed his desire to replay the 2015 World Cup semifinal against Australia, where he felt he could have made a significant impact. With a career spanning 13 years, Raina's contributions to Indian cricket remain noteworthy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 5, 2026, 20:55 IST

Raina's Iconic T20I Century

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently shared insights about his first T20I century and the match he wishes he could replay. He appeared on Aakash Chopra's YouTube channel to discuss these memorable moments.

When asked to choose between his inaugural T20I century and his explosive 25-ball 87 against Punjab Kings in IPL 2014, Raina highlighted his maiden T20I century achieved during the 2010 T20 World Cup against South Africa. This milestone made him the first Indian to score a century in all formats.

Raina expressed, "The T20I century for India was special. I was the first player to score a hundred for India in T20I, and we won that match. While there are many memorable innings in the IPL, that first hundred for India holds a unique place in my heart." He scored 101 runs off 60 balls, including nine fours and five sixes, leading India to victory.

Memorable Partnership with MS Dhoni

Raina reminisced about his favorite innings alongside his longtime friend and batting partner, MS Dhoni. He recalled their partnership during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup against Zimbabwe. Chasing a target of 287 runs, India found itself at 92 for 4 when Raina (110* off 104 balls, with nine fours and four sixes) formed a crucial 196-run partnership with Dhoni (85* off 76 balls, with eight fours and two sixes), ultimately securing the win.

"The pressure was immense against Zimbabwe when I scored that hundred, and Dhoni was with me. We were four wickets down while chasing, and it was a crucial game for our qualification," he noted.

The Match Raina Wishes to Replay

When asked about a match he would like to play again, Raina pointed to the 2015 World Cup semifinal against Australia, where India lost by 95 runs while chasing a target of 329. Raina managed only seven runs, and the team struggled to capitalize on a solid opening partnership of 76 runs between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.

"In the 2015 World Cup semifinal, I felt I was in good form but got out early. We had a promising start, and I believe we could have performed better. The dream was to win back-to-back World Cups. If I could turn back time, I would aim to score 80-90 not out to help chase down that target," he reflected.

Suresh Raina's International Career

In 2020, Raina announced his retirement from international cricket, coinciding with MS Dhoni's retirement. Over a 13-year international career, Raina played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is.

He amassed 5,615 runs in ODIs at an average of 35.31, with a top score of 116*. His ODI record includes five centuries and 36 half-centuries. In T20Is, Raina scored 1,605 runs at an average of 29.18, with his best score being 101, including one century and five half-centuries. In Test cricket, he played 31 innings, scoring 768 runs at an average of 26.48, with a highest score of 120, including one century and seven half-centuries.