At the T20 league that wrapped up in Goa recently, one of the biggest highlights was watching Suresh Raina return to competitive cricket. The tournament drew large crowds eager to see the left-hander back in action, and Raina did not disappoint. Later, in a candid conversation with Goa Times, Raina spoke about this phase of his career—one that he says he is thoroughly enjoying. ‘Cricket has given me so much…’ Talking about staying connected to the game, he says, “Cricket has given me so much, so staying involved feels natural. Mentoring young players and sharing my experience gives me a lot of satisfaction as well.” Elaborating on handling pressure, Raina adds, “Pressure is part of cricket—or sport per se—you can’t avoid it. If you give good time to your preparation and practice, that’s what you fall back on during tough moments. Self-doubt comes to everyone, but you have to stay positive and focus on the next ball, not the noise around you.” ‘The crowd here really comes to enjoy cricket’ Raina admits that pressure remains a constant companion. “No matter which place or stadium I am playing in, the pressure and nervousness before a game are always there, and I don’t think that will ever go away,” he shares. What made playing in Goa special, he explains, was the atmosphere. “The crowd here really comes to enjoy cricket. You can feel the love for the game, and that makes it special in its own way,” he adds. ‘The time spent in Goa helps me recharge’ Away from the field, Raina says he prefers a quieter side of Goa. “I like to keep things simple when I’m here. Quiet walks, good food, and spending time near the sea really help me switch off,” he says. While the lively beach shacks have their charm, he admits that he enjoys calmer, less crowded spots more. “It helps me recharge,” he says. Keeping social media at arm’s length In an era of constant online scrutiny, Raina says he has learned to maintain distance from social media. “Everything on social media is open to interpretation and judgment, so it’s important not to give it too much time or importance,” he says. For him, it’s best used in moderation. “Scroll a bit, have a small laugh, and then put the phone down. What really matters is your game, and what your team and coaches think. Public opinion will always change, but if your mindset is strong and balanced, you stay grounded,” he explains. ‘My tattoo is very close to my heart’ Raina got his first tattoo—the word ‘Believe’—in 2014. “It’s very close to my heart. I’ve lived by it through tough phases of my career,” he shares. That belief also inspired the title of his book, Believe, which reflects his journey through the highs and lows of professional cricket. “For me, it’s a reminder to trust yourself, keep working hard, and not give up when things don’t go your way—in cricket and in life,” Raina says, signing off.
