CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Indian batsman Suresh Raina says his aim is for consistency, following his whirlwind century against South Africa in the World Twenty20 Championship on Sunday.
The 23-year-old left-hander belted a superb 101 off 60 balls with nine fours and five sixes against South Africa at the Beausejour Cricket Ground here Sunday to help India to a 14-run win over South Africa.
“My job is to perform each and every game. I am a very positive person and whenever I get an opportunity, I make sure I just go for it,” Raina said.
“It is important to improve each and every game that’s what makes you become a good player. It is important to have a positive approach, whether you are playing against Australia or Bangladesh.”
Raina’s landmark was only the second century in the history of the WT20 Championship, following West Indies captain Chris Gayle’s 117 in the inaugural tournament in 2007.
Stylish Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene added the second century of the tournament and third overall when he stroked an even 100 against Zimbabwe on Monday
Raina, who has already played 90 One-Day Internationals, admitted that he struggled at the start of his innings but decided to rotate the strike until he got into stride and begun to attack the bowlers.
“I was very confident before the toss because I had a very good practice before the game and just went for it,” said Raina, who turned out for the Chennai Super Kings in the recent Indian Premier League.
“I thought it was the best thing to do. It’s been a good year for us and I felt it was important for us to play well in the competition, especially in the super eights.
“We didn’t do well in the last World Cup so we have to do well this year. Everyone has to play positive. Hopefully we will win our next game also.”
