Happy Birthday Suresh Raina! 11 Interesting Facts About India's Left-Handed Finisher

Suresh Raina has been one of the best finishers in the limited overs format over the last decade. Since his debut in 2005, the man has taken India over the line on many occasions.

Today he turns 30, but there is more to him than just the success on the surface.

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Here are 11 facts one ought to know about the left-handed middle order batsman:

1. Origins in Kashmir

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His roots are from Kashmir even though he was born in Uttar Pradesh.

2. Lived in a sports hostel

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To cut down on travel time, he had to live in a hostel so that he could practice without hassle.

3. At 16 made it to the Under-19 team

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He hit 72 in his first Test for the Under-19 Indian side.

4. Duck on international debut

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In 2005 Muttiah Muralitharan removed him first ball and it was an inauspicious start to his career.

5. Chennai's hero

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For Chennai Super Kings he dominated the Indian Premier League. The city hailed him as one of their own.

6. Youngest T20I skipper for India

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He led the team at the age of 23.

7. Omar Abdullah wanted him to play for Jammu and Kashmir

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After winning the World Cup, Omar Abdullah offered to let him play for the state as he felt Kashmir needed more mascots in sports.

8. Loves to cook

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He once revealed how he had cooked for the entire team.

9. First Indian with hundreds in all 3 formats

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When he slammed a hundred on his Test debut, it meant that he had centuries in the three international formats.

10. Owns a Porsche Boxter Limited Edition

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Raina bought the Porsche Boxter Limited Edition in 2013. He had bought the car on his father’s birthday.

11. Enjoys chasing targets

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He thrives when India has to chase down a score. Raina's average while chasing is pretty high and that proves he is one of best finishers in the world.