After Dhoni, PM Modi Pays an Emotional Tribute to Suresh Raina!

After MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina announced their retirement from international Cricket on the evening of August 15, the news took social media by storm. A special tribute was paid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to MS Dhoni. 

He also penned down a tribute to Suresh Raina. Raina posted the letter on his twitter account. He wrote," When we play, we give our blood & sweat for the nation. No better appreciation than being loved by the people of this country and even more by the country’s PM. Thank you @narendramodi  ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind!”

PM Modi in his letter had lauded Raina as one of the finest players of his generation. He said,” Generations will remember you not only as a fine batsman but also a very useful bowler who the captain could turn to when the situation demanded. Your fielding was exemplary and inspiring. Some of the best catches in recent international cricket have your distinctive imprint. It would take days to count just the number of runs you have saved by your alertness on the field.”

His letter also stated that, “India can never forget your inspiring role during the 2011 World Cup, especially during the later matches. I saw you live in action at the Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad, during the Quarter Final against Australia. Your anchoring innings had a big role to play in our team’s victory. I can confidently say that most fans will miss seeing your elegant cover drive, one which I was lucky to witness live that day.”

“Soon after MS Dhoni announced retirement from international cricket, Raina, who has played alongside the Ranchi star for the Indian team across formats as well as for Chennai Super Kings, joined him into retirement. Dhoni (jersey No. 7) and Raina (jersey No. 3) had already planned to hang up their boots on August 15 as the country completed 73 years of Independence,” Times Now reported

MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina will be playing for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League which is scheduled to be held in UAE.