Suresh Raina believes India will succeed at the World Cup, assuring that everyone will witness it.

New Delhi

Ravi Shastri’s iconic commentary from the 2011 World Cup final still resonates with cricket fans around the world. As India prepares to host the mega tournament once again, former all-rounder Suresh Raina expressed his confidence that it doesn’t matter who India faces in the final if they make it that far. Raina made these remarks during the TOI’s inaugural ‘Right to Excellence ★Sports Summit 2023’ in Delhi on Friday.

India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka is etched in the memory of every Indian cricket fan. However, India hasn’t won an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy. After losing the World Test Championship final in June earlier this year, India is determined to end their decade-long ICC trophy drought by clinching the World Cup trophy.

Raina, who played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, mentioned that India’s success in the final will not depend on the opposition. He confidently stated, “Whoever is there, we will handle.”

When asked about the key players for India in the World Cup, Raina picked Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav as the team’s trump cards. Raina emphasized the importance of India’s top-order batsmen, namely Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, stating that their performance will determine the team’s success. He also highlighted the presence of strong middle-order batsmen like Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur.

Recalling his best World Cup memory, Raina shared the moment of victory in the 2011 final at Wankhede Stadium. He described the atmosphere in the stadium as unforgettable, with fans singing the national anthem, “Vande Mataram.” Raina expressed his gratitude for the amazing journey and the opportunity to win his first World Cup.

With the World Cup scheduled to begin on October 5 in Ahmedabad, Indian cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see their team lift the trophy once again. The tournament holds great significance for India, as they aim to end their ICC trophy drought and bring glory to the nation.