'Too young, energetic to retire' writes PM Modi in note to Suresh Raina; says would take days to count the runs he saved

It was a double whammy for Indians on Independence Day as only a few moments after the ace cricketer MS Dhoni announced his retirement, Suresh Raina sent Twitterverse into a frenzy by following in MSD’s footsteps and announcing his retirement as well from international cricket. On Friday, the left-handed batsman took to Twitter to share a letter of appreciation he received from PM Modi, just a day after Captain Cool Dhoni did the same.

Thanking the PM for his best wishes and appreciation, Raina 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.”

Right off the bat, PM Modi began his letter by refusing to use the word ‘retirement’ for Raina because ‘he is too young and energetic to retire’. Tracing Raina’s journey from by-lanes of Muradnagar to finding his feet in the playgrounds of Lucknow, the PM said that Raina has ‘lived and breathed cricket’.


However, the PM’s words of appreciation weren’t limited only to Raina’s batting prowess. He also went on to appreciate the cricketer’s fielding which he called ‘exemplary and inspiring’. Complimenting Raina, the PM wrote, ‘it would take days to count just the number of runs you have saved by your alertness of the field’.

Showering heaps of praise of Raina’s promptness and speed, the PM opined that it were qualities like these that helped distinguish Raina in T-20 cricket. The PM also recollected watching Raina live at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, appreciating his ‘elegant cover drives’.

Delving deep into Raina’s off-field victories, the PM touched upon the major setbacks Raina faced because of his injuries but emerged victorious and overcame the challenges life threw this way. ‘You played not for personal glory but for the glory of your team and for glory of Team India,’ the PM added.

The PM also appreciated Raina’s community service efforts - his support towards women empowerment, Swachh Bharat and helping the needy. Wishing Raina a successful and fruitful innings in his life, Modi concluded the letter by wishing that Raina gets to spend more time with wife Priyanka, daughter Gracia and son Rio.