To have played 98 one-day internationals before making my Test debut was certainly a long wait, but it was well worth it. A class player like Yuvraj Singh had to wait for long for his place in the Test team and only after Sourav Ganguly retired did he make it. So this is something that every player has to go through.
Nothing can compare to Test cricket and to join a select list of players who scored a hundred on debut was a very special feeling, almost indescribable.
As all youngsters, I too grew up dreaming of representing my state in the Ranji Trophy and my country. In India, where the game is followed passionately, there is a lot of pressure on all cricketers even at the age-group level and a player has to be ready to handle bouquets and as well as brickbats.
My coaches at school ingrained the basics right. Technique and temperament goes a long way in deciding a batsman’s success in duration cricket. Looking back, it was my experience in ODIs that stood me in good stead when I finally got my Test opportunity. Also, during this period I started watching the other players closely. The consistency of Dravid and Gambhir, the hunger of Tendulkar and the strokes of Sehwag inspired me to do better.
Batting alongside Tendulkar (at the SSC) was a big boon. He guided me during the partnership and kept reminding me that I would never get another chance.
“You might go on to make more hundreds but this is the one that everyone will remember,” he said when I was approaching my century. It was a pleasure to have him alongside when I reached the mark. That we shared a record partnership in the process made it extra special.
When I reached my century, my mind went back to the early days when I was driven by dreams and I took a few seconds to silently give thanks to people who had stood by my side throughout. When I was told that I had become the first Indian batsman to have scored a century in all three formats of the game, it came as a pleasant shock. When you are in the middle, concentrating, all these things don’t occur to you at all.
The tributes that flowed in, especially from Tendulkar and Dhoni, made it all the more satisfying and the note from Matthew Hayden on his Twitter stating that my success was inevitable has only made me more humble about it.
There is nothing more rewarding than receiving accolades from one’s peers. I only hope to continue in the same vein.
The last three seasons with Chennai Super Kings, practising hard on the wickets in Chennai, also gave me a better idea to cope with wickets in Sri Lanka where the conditions are similar.
There was a lot said and written about me when it came to my credentials as a Test cricketer. It does start playing on your mind at times but the seniors in the side were a lot helpful during that period. I am lucky to have had a strong and disciplined upbringing.
My family was always supportive of my cricket and the sports hostel in Lucknow embedded the right ingredients for a successful career.
My mother played an important role in providing a balanced, nutritious diet when I was growing up. These things might look small now but are crucial elements in the development of an athlete.
Raina files
Full name: Suresh Kumar Raina
Born: November 27, 1986, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Major teams: India, Chennai Super Kings, India Blue, India Under-19s, Indian Board President’s XI, Rajasthan Cricket Association President’s XI, Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Under-16s
Nickname: Sanu
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm offbreak
M R HS AVG 100s 50s
Tests 2 223 120 111.5 1 1
ODIs 98 2379 116* 37.17 3 15
T20Is 18 468 101 33.42 1 3