Suresh Raina Optimistic About India's 2027 World Cup Prospects

Raina Backs India for 2027 World Cup Glory

Suresh Raina, the former Indian cricketer, has shared his positive outlook regarding India's chances in the upcoming 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup. He believes that with a robust team featuring seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the trophy could return to India for the first time since 2011. Raina made these comments during the launch event for the Indian Softball Cricket League's second season.

Discussing the impressive performances of Rohit and Virat, who recently surpassed the milestones of 12,000 and 15,000 ODI runs respectively, Raina stated, "With Virat and Rohit in the squad, the World Cup is on the horizon. The team is exceptionally strong, having scored numerous runs in the past. After 2011 and 1983, it feels like 2027 is our year. I am confident the team will excel."

In the current year, Virat has amassed 552 runs in nine ODIs, averaging 69.00 with a strike rate of 117.94, including two centuries and three fifties, with a top score of 139*. In the recent ODIs against West Indies, he scored a total of 168 runs in three innings, highlighted by a remarkable 139* off just 88 balls while chasing a target of around 290 runs. Virat stands as the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, with 15,109 runs at an average of 58.78, including 55 centuries and 79 fifties, with a best score of 183.

Meanwhile, Rohit continues to perform well despite discussions about his fitness and position in the team. He ranks as India's third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, with 12,120 runs from 291 matches and 283 innings, averaging 49.26, with 35 centuries and 63 fifties, and a top score of 264. This year, he has scored 604 runs in 12 innings, averaging 50.33 with a strike rate of 104.67, including two centuries and two fifties, with a best score of 138. In the ODIs against West Indies, he was the second-highest run-scorer for India, accumulating 225 runs in three innings at an average of 75.00 and a strike rate exceeding 115, featuring a century and a fifty, with a best score of 101.

Championing Grassroots Cricket

Reflecting on the ISCL season 2, Raina reminisced about his early days playing tennis ball cricket when he was uncertain about his future in the sport. He remarked, "The ISCL is a fantastic initiative. It provides opportunities for kids who deserve to play cricket. I also started with tennis ball cricket, unsure if I would represent UP, Air India, my sports college in Lucknow, or even India."

"This initiative is beneficial as it offers players opportunities and jobs for coaches, contributing to the growth of cricket. Many players began with tennis ball cricket, which is accessible. Other sports are also gaining traction, and players are exploring these avenues. Overall, I believe this is a commendable initiative," he concluded.

Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh serve as Brand Ambassadors for ISCL, lending their cricketing expertise to a league focused on discovering and nurturing grassroots talent from urban, rural, and remote areas of the country.