Suresh Raina Shares Memorable Fan Encounter and Pranks with Sachin Tendulkar

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina shares a fascinating story about a fan who kept the ball from one of his iconic sixes during the IPL. He also recounts a humorous prank by Sachin Tendulkar and amusing moments with Anil Kumble. This article dives into the lighter side of cricket, showcasing the camaraderie and fun experiences among these legendary players. Read on to explore these entertaining anecdotes that highlight the unique bond between cricketers and their fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 13, 2025, 16:38 IST

Suresh Raina's Unique Fan Experience

In a recent discussion, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recounted an extraordinary encounter with a fan that revolved around one of his most memorable sixes during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Raina, who was part of the Indian squad that clinched the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, concluded his career as a four-time IPL champion with the Chennai Super Kings.

Reflecting on the early days of the IPL, Raina mentioned, 'Back in 2008, the Wankhede Stadium was quite different from what it is today. During a qualifier match against Punjab, I hit a six off James Hopes that soared outside the stadium.'

Years later, while getting a haircut, a young woman approached him with a cricket ball for his autograph. Initially unaware of its significance, Raina asked if it was just an ordinary ball. The fan excitedly revealed, 'Sir, this is the ball you hit out of the Wankhede Stadium!' She explained that she had witnessed the moment and kept the ball as a memento. Raina expressed his surprise at such dedicated fandom, humorously suggesting that James Hopes should have been the one seeking his signature on that ball.

In the same conversation, Raina shared a funny incident involving cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. He recalled a flight to a Test match when he was just 18, sitting next to Tendulkar in business class. An air hostess mistakenly thought Raina was Tendulkar's son, Arjun, and made a comment about him. Tendulkar seized the opportunity to joke, saying, 'He’s not studying at all; I’ve even told Anjali about it.' Raina later joked about being mistaken for Arjun, to which Tendulkar clarified to the air hostess, 'He’s Suresh Raina, part of the Indian cricket team, not my son.' Tendulkar was known for his playful pranks.

Anil Kumble, the former Indian captain and renowned leg-spinner, also shared his experiences of being mistaken for other cricket legends. He humorously noted that while being confused for players like Javagal Srinath and Ravi Shastri was acceptable, being called Sunil Gavaskar in the US was a bit much.

Kumble recounted a light-hearted moment at a party where a tipsy individual approached him with unsolicited bowling advice. When Kumble invited him to a practice session the next morning, the man quickly lost his enthusiasm and vanished.