Suresh Raina talks to Taus Rizvi about leading Gujarat Lions, eyeing return to national team and how fatherhood has changed him. Excerpts:
Congratulations on becoming a father...
It is a good feeling. God has been kind. Everything has gone smoothly. I got married last year. My team (Gujarat Lions) did well in the Indian Premier League. Gracia (his daughter) is the biggest gift. Lakshmi aayi hai ghar main (Lakshmi has come in our house). We will have a get together at home after she returns from Holland. I will bring her to India after eight weeks. I am flying to Holland to be with my wife and daughter.
You led IPL debutants Gujarat Lions with great confidence, finishing the league stage at the top. How was the experience?
Before the auction, I told them (the management) I need players who had a very good domestic season like Dinesh Karthik, Dhawal Kulkarni, Praveen Kumar, then players from Uttar Pradesh who had done really well in domestic cricket. And we picked up Shivil Kaushik as a surprise package. (Owner) Keshav (Bansal) gave me freedom to express myself. He trusted me fully and told me to just do whatever I want. If results come in our way, it will be good. That is what we planned sitting with Hodgy (coach Brad Hodge). Most of the players were from Chennai Super Kings, hence it was better since we have played together. They know how I am on and off the field. It is difficult for any team, especially first-timers, to manage things. First season we did pretty well, became No.1 in IPL. We played good cricket in Bangalore (in first qualifier), though we lost. It was a great season and I hope next year will be more exciting.
Many people said you led the team like MS Dhoni, and saw many similarities between the two of you. Agree?
We played together for the Indian team, spent a lot of time together. I have always stood at slip with him, Rahul Dravid or VVS Laxman. I know what sort of planning he does from behind the wickets, what sort of talking he does, how he motivates the players. It is always good to know your leader from the side who has done really well and when you get an opportunity, you pick up the best from your captain and deliver it on the ground. The execution was important, which I was able to do with different characters in the side. It is not always easy to execute those ideas on the ground. The team responded to it really well and the credit goes to them. They played really hard and tough cricket, showed their character and discipline in difficult conditions. Result may not be in our favour but we still played really good cricket.
You had quite a few interesting characters like Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch and Dwayne Bravo in your side. How easy was it for you to handle such players?
I have played with Baz, Bravo, Smithy. Finchi has always been with the Australian team, so I know him. He is a good man and a tough character. Domestic players have played with me. Dinesh Karthik has played with me for India and other teams, Dhawal was our main bowler, Praveen Kumar gave breakthroughs. We were like a family and not a franchise. And we had a management who cared for them and gave the freedom to express, which showed in our team. We enjoyed each other's success.
Did Sunrisers Hyderabad beating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final surprise you?
They were in a great position in the first 10 and can't ask for more. Following that Virat and AB got out, and then it was difficult. Yuvipa (Yuvraj Singh) played well. Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman), Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) always gave breakthroughs. They were the best bowling attack in the death overs in IPL. (David) Warner led the team well and showed how to motivate. His form, Shikhar, Yuvipa, Ben Cutting smashing those 35 runs were all crucial.
Virat has been in cracking form lately. What sets him apart?
He has a different mindset. He is batting the same way he does in ODIs, T20s or Tests. He knows how to make runs. Every batsman should learn from him on how to bat at No. 3 and get lot of big hundreds, runs in shorter formats and also while chasing. I am confident he will continue the same way for India and win us the games.
What next for you?
I will spend some time with my family. I have three or four months. I'll work hard on my game and spend time with my wife and daughter.
India have a long Test season coming up at home. You must be eyeing a return, isn't it?
The most important thing for me will be to be with my family first. Then, I'll play in tournaments like Buchi Babu, Moin-ud-dawla. I might got to England to play a few county games. Right now, I haven't planned. I will need to give a couple of months to my wife and daughter. Obviously, I am looking for an opportunity to grab it at the first moment.
What keeps you motivated to make a comeback into the Indian team?
I am still 29. Age is on my side and I am working hard on my game. I have been with the India team for so many years. Whenever I get the opportunity, I will do well for my team.
How much of fatherhood changed you?
Wasn't it seen in my captaincy? I have a wife and baby now. I have a person I can go back to and take advice. Someone who can criticise me and motivate, which helped me a lot. My wife has worked hard and knows what kind of schedule we have. She has always been supportive.
QUOTE
We played together for the Indian team, spent a lot of time together. I have always stood at slip with him, Rahul Dravid or VVS Laxman. I know what sort of planning he does from behind the wickets, what sort of talking he does, how he motivates the players
--Suresh Raina, on his similarities as captain with MS Dhoni
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Suresh Raina")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}