PM Narendra Modi Greets Suresh Raina With An Appreciation Letter

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has acknowledged Suresh Raina's contribution to cricket and greeted him with an appreciation letter. Raina who played for India for almost 15 years, hanged his boots from the international cricket along with former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the evening of Independence Day of India (August 15).

Yesterday (August 20), Mahendra Singh Dhoni had shared the letter sent to him by the PM on his Twitter handle and thanked the Prime Minister for his nice gesture. "An Artist, Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone. thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes", Dhoni wrote on Twitter.



To begin with, the PM wrote about the toughest decision of 'retirement' taken by Raina at such a young age and wished him for his second innings after a 'fruitful innings on the cricket field'. The PM further recalled Raina's cricket journey from began early in life in Muradnagar to representing India in all three formats.

Apart from being a fine batsman, Suresh also came handy with the ball and had often provided breakthroughs when the situation 'demanded'. The PM remembered all this especially his fielding which was fierce and cool at the same time. Through his alertness in the field, he used to save crucial runs for the team and taking some breathtaking catches.

Suresh Raina who started his international career with ODIs, modified himself as a T20 specialist. Raina is the first Indian to score a century in the shortest format of the game and also the first Indian to score a century in all three formats. PM admired Raina's promptness and speed which he termed as 'assets' for the T20 format.



Talking about the 2011 World Cup, the PM wrote to Raina, "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 drives, one which I was lucky to witness live that day".

One of the most admirable aspects of Suresh Raina has been his game spirit. He was one who celebrated his teammates' success more than of himself. Writing about the same, the PM said, "You played not for personal glory but for the glory of your team and the glory of India.

The PM also admired Raina for the social work he is doing for the 'women empowerment', 'Swachh Bharat' and helping the needy and wrote that "I am glad you are attached to India's cultural roots and proud of deepening youth's connect with our glorious ethos as well as value systems".



He concluded wishing a fruitful and successful second inning and wrote "I do hope you will use this opportunity to spend even more quality time with Priyanka (wife), Gracia (daughter), and Rio (son)".

In response to the letter, Raina thanked PM for his gesture via Twitter and shared the letter PM sent to him "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!".

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!🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/l0DIeQSFh5

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 21, 2020

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