Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina shed light on how the world saw the birth of the ‘Dhoni Review System’ during their 2013 Champions Trophy winning campaign. India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win saw them comprehensively outclass the best teams en route to an unbeaten tournament triumph. Their second game against the West Indies showcased their dominance in all aspects, as India secured an eight-wicket victory over a dangerous opponent. On a special episode of JioHotstar’s The Suresh Raina Experience: Champions Trophy Special, Raina highlighted MS Dhoni’s tactical brilliance in managing bowling innings, emphasising how the wicket-keeper batter maximized the team’s success with accurate DRS calls, an aggressive field setup, and bold decisions.

“The Oval is a batting-friendly surface. But if you consider the weather in Wales, you need to look up at the skies as well as down at the pitch. This is where the Dhoni Review System started. Every DRS he called was correct,” Raina remarked.

“Look at him behind the stumps, taking catches. The best part was his attacking field placements,” Raina added. “Virat Kohli was in the slips, Ashwin was at leg slip, and Dhoni was behind the stumps. He knew how to build pressure. This was the rise of T20 cricket, where players were always looking to attack. His masterstroke was bringing in spinners and challenging them to attack.”

The bowling masterclass by Ravindra Jadeja in that match did not go unnoticed by Raina, who marvelled at his teammate’s brilliance in returning figures of 5-36.

“Jadeja and Ashwin bowled exceptionally well. Dhoni knew that the opposition would try to take on the spinners. That’s his astute leadership, but I have to praise Ravi Jadeja’s excellent bowling. He kept it at the stumps and became a different kind of all-rounder.

“Jadeja was in top form that year across formats. If the wicket was dry, he became even more lethal,” Raina continued. “He could bowl with pace, and batters couldn’t react in time. He was also incredibly accurate. He bowled fast spin, straight deliveries, and MS knew that if Jaddu could target the stumps for 35-40 deliveries out of 60, he would take five wickets,” Raina said.

That tournament also saw Indian batters like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Raina himself stepping in to bowl whenever the captain deemed it necessary. Raina discussed Kohli’s contributions with the ball in this match while crediting Dhoni’s leadership.

“Virat is a quality batter, but he enjoyed bowling a lot until he developed back tightness. If you’re a slow medium pacer, it’s fun to bowl in England. Virat knew he could contribute 3-4 overs. You have to credit MS Dhoni here as a captain. He knew how to extract overs from part-time bowlers: ‘Virat, come here. Rohit, come here. Raina, come here.’ That’s 10 overs right there.”

He further explained how Dhoni and the management at the time ensured that non-specialist bowlers were always ready to contribute, complementing the team’s core bowling attack. “You had five frontline bowlers: Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. After that, what options did you have? Virat could bowl three overs, Rohit could bowl two, and I could bowl one or three. Dhoni had this extra edge – he created a perfect balance, which wasn’t easy to do.”

The Rohit Sharma-led side will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.

Ahead of the start of the ICC Champions Trophy, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina reminisced about the ‘masterstroke’ moment of the MS Dhoni-led side during their 2013 edition’s title-winning campaign in England. India’s Champions Trophy 2013 win will be remembered in the annals of history, as the national team went undefeated throughout the tournament. On a special episode of JioHotstar’s ‘The Suresh Raina Experience: Champions Trophy Special,’ Raina reflected on how India’s opening match of the tournament against South Africa marked the meteoric rise of the opening duo, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.

Raina called the decision to commit to the Rohit-Dhawan opening pair a masterstroke, highlighting their success in the tournament and beyond.

“That was a masterstroke by the team management. Just look at the way they batted – they focused on timing the ball rather than forcing shots. They attacked, but only when the delivery deserved it. Rohit Sharma is technically very sound. He wore the ball down before accelerating the scoring rate. Then you had Shikhar Dhawan stepping out and taking on the bowlers. Left-right combinations always trouble bowlers, and Shikhar was an aggressive striker in a different way. Rohit could hit a six whenever he wanted,” Raina said.

“Their run rate consistently stayed at 8 or 9. They cleared the ropes with ease. A 100-run partnership quickly turned into a 150-run stand. One of them was always looking to push for a century. Their understanding was excellent – they trusted each other’s calls and spent so much time together,” he added.

While Dhawan had cemented his place as India’s opening batter, he saw a revolving door of partners in 2012. Rohit Sharma, who had missed out on the 2011 ICC World Cup victory, finally secured the role in 2013. Raina detailed how Rohit found his way back into the squad and locked in a position he has held for the past many years.

“The way he was timing the ball – it was exceptional. He worked incredibly hard on improving his batting. He had long discussions with Duncan (Fletcher) and shared a great rapport with MS (Dhoni). Big tournaments create big players because there’s a major trophy on the line. He wasn’t picked for the 2011 World Cup, but when 2013 came around, he grabbed the opening spot – and he still holds it,” the former batter explained.

Dhawan scored 114 runs off 94 deliveries, while Sharma contributed 65 runs off 81 balls, forming a 127-run partnership that lasted over 20 overs. Raina reflected on his six-over spell, which helped contain South Africa’s run chase after India’s fast bowlers struggled on a dry wicket.

“The wicket was very dry, so everyone had to adjust their fielding and bowling. Having a sixth bowling option — whether it was Virat, Rohit, or Suresh Raina — gave the captain an extra level of comfort. At that point, MS didn’t have any more full-time bowlers left. As a captain, you need options for those tricky four to five overs. MS knew that if a left-hander came to bat, he could turn to me. I could take wickets and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. We were lucky to have several players in the squad who could bowl four to six overs. You saw this in the 2011 squad as well, and in 2013, it was me, Virat, and Rohit stepping in when needed,” he said.

Raina also shared insights into his mindset while executing his bowling plans and said, “I understood the angles of my bowling, kept it straight at the stumps, and didn’t offer too much pace. I knew if I bowled three good overs, I’d earn a fourth. I focused on staying composed and unfazed. My job was to field well, but the captain trusted me to stay within my ability and deliver with the ball.”

India will open their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.

The International Masters League (IML) 2025 is set to bring an electrifying wave of nostalgia and excitement as it unveils the India Masters and Sri Lanka Masters squads, both of whom comprise cricketing greats who once dominated and decorated the international stage. With the tournament scheduled from February 22 to March 16, 2025, fans will witness the revival of cricket’s golden era. Indian cricket fans are in for a treat as Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar returns to lead the India Masters. The squad is a formidable mix of elegance, power, and match-winning prowess, featuring some of the most celebrated names of the 2000s and 2010s.

Batting brilliance returns with Yuvraj Singh, the hero of the T20 World Cup in 2007 and fifty-over World Cup in 2011, alongside Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu, who thrilled fans with their fearless stroke-play. The Pathan brothers, Irfan and Yusuf, will display their explosive all-round skills, while Naman Ojha will take charge behind the stumps, as per a press release from IML.

The bowling attack comprises seasoned match-winners, with Vinay Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni leading the pace attack. Players like Stuart Binny, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Sharma, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, and Abhimanyu Mithun make this a well-rounded squad, which is ready to reignite past rivalries and produce exhilarating cricket.

Speaking about playing in the inaugural edition of the International Masters League, Irfan Pathan said, “The International Masters League is a tournament that pays tribute to cricket’s golden age. I am thrilled to represent India Masters in Season 1 of the league, and play alongside Sachin Tendulkar, the maestro, and other colleagues, with whom I shared many happy and precious moments in the past. We are hosting the IML, but I can assure cricket fans that we will not be generous on the field. We will produce tough cricket and do our best to win the title.”

Yusuf Pathan added: “Irfan and I were members of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Memories of that tournament will be rekindled in the days and weeks to follow, as we will take the field for India Masters in the inaugural season of the International Masters League. As had been the case in 2007, we will give it everything on the field and do whatever we can to win the tournament.”

The Sri Lanka Masters, led by Kumar Sangakkara, promise a masterclass in skill and experience. An ambassador of the game, Sangakkara was a two-time fifty-over World Cup finalist in 2007 and 2011 respectively, and a T20 World Cup winner in 2014. He will be joined by Romesh Kaluwitharana, the swashbuckling opener-keeper from Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning squad.

The batting line-up features Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, and Chinthaka Jayasinghe, known for their reliability under pressure. Ashan Priyanjan and Asela Gunaratne bring in stability, while the bowling attack is spearheaded by pacers Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, and Dhammika Prasad. All-round firepower comes from Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Chaturanga de Silva, and Isuru Udana, making Sri Lanka a well-balanced force in IML 2025.

The IML is a celebration of cricket’s greatest icons, bringing Masters from India, Sri Lanka, England, Australia, West Indies, and South Africa back onto the field. The league is set to unveil the squads of the rest of the teams in the coming days.

Virat Kohli may not have performed as per expectation in recent months, but if the words of former teammate Suresh Raina are anything to go by, he will still be motivated and hungry to win the Champions Trophy 2025. Having shared the dressing room when India lifted the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, Raina gave an insight into the type of character Virat Kohli is. He said that Kohli has a different mindset to anyone else, and is the first to encourage the team when the chips are down.

“His mindset is very different. He is a good teammate to have in a dressing room but he is always on the switch. When he practices, he has a different preparation, when he does fielding, whenever the chips are down, he will be the first person to come and say, let’s fight, let’s do fielding,” Raina said, speaking to Star Sports.

Kohli will be a part of India’s 15-man squad as they aim to win a record third Champions Trophy title.

Raina and Kohli were regarded as two of India’s finest fielders, and Raina attributed that to the North Indian mentality that both have. Raina hails from Uttar Pradesh while Kohli is from Delhi.

“I really enjoyed fielding with him because his passion is different because when he is in the mood for fielding and diving, everyone’s attitude changes,” Raina said.

“Us North Indians, we can’t bear to lose. We don’t know how to lose. We won’t leave till we die. That’s the kind of attitude he has,” Raina added.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy and the three-match ODI series against England, Kohli will be getting up to speed by likely featuring in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy game against Railways.

If he does play, it will be Kohli’s first Ranji Trophy game in over 12 years.

Kohli’s previous Ranji game was in November 12, when Delhi lost to Uttar Pradesh, in a game which also featured the likes of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag in the Delhi side. Incidentally, Raina was the Uttar Pradesh captain in that game.

File photo of Yashasvi Jaiswal© X (Twitter)

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina opened up about playing alongside star batter Virat Kohli, saying that he enjoyed fielding with him because of Virat’s unique passion and relentless attitude toward winning. Raina spoke exclusively to Star Sports, where he said that Virat always has his “switch on” and approaches practice with the mentality of “we would not leave until we die.” “His mindset is very different. He is, as I said, I think a good teammate to have in a dressing room but he is always on the switch. When he practices, he has a different preparation, when he does fielding, whenever the chips are down, he will be the first person to come and say, let us fight, let us do fielding,” he explained.

“I really enjoyed fielding with him because his passion is different because when he is in the mood for fielding and diving, everyone’s attitude changes. Virat, has the talent and he is a little different in North India. When we come from there, we cannot bear to lose. We do not know how to lose. We would not leave till we die. That is the kind of attitude he has,” he added.

Meanwhile, Virat is set to train with the Delhi team on Tuesday ahead of what could be his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2012, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh confirmed that Virat will join the Delhi squad for their Ranji Trophy match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, beginning on January 30, ESPNcricinfo report confirmed.

Virat’s participation in the domestic circuit comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) adopted a firmer stance on the participation of Indian international stars in domestic cricket.

In the past few days, photos and videos of Virat working with former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach Sanjay Bangar have surfaced on social media.

The final round of Ranji Trophy matches will conclude on February 2, just four days before India begins their three-match bilateral ODI series against England in Nagpur. Virat has accumulated 11,479 runs in 155 First-Class matches, with an average of 48.23 and a strike rate of 55.96.

Virat has been facing a massive decline in his Test performances that dates back to the start of 2020. In 39 Test matches since the start of 2020, Virat has scored just 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, with just three centuries and nine fifties to show. His best score is 186.

Virat ended the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle with 751 runs in 14 matches and 25 innings at an average of 32.65, with two centuries and three fifties. His best score was 121.

In 10 Tests last year, he scored just 417 runs at an average of 24.52 with just one century and fifty, to conclude a disappointing year.

As the excitement builds for the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Champions Trophy, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina shared his thoughts on the high-stakes encounter. Speaking about the intense rivalry, Raina reminisced about past performances while emphasizing the key factors that could determine the outcome. Reflecting on a memorable moment from the tournament’s history, Raina said in the Star Sports Press Room, “When we talk about the Champions Trophy, I remember Mohammed Amir’s spell. He got the wickets of Rohit and Virat.”

Amir’s exceptional bowling in the 2017 final had proved decisive, but Raina believes the upcoming game presents a new opportunity for India to bounce back.

Raina expressed confidence in India’s star batter Virat Kohli, stating, “I think both of them will have a fifty percent chance. Virat Kohli will come again and win it for India; his performance will be out of the box.”

However, he also acknowledged Pakistan’s strengths, particularly their bowling attack.

“I think Pakistan has a better bowling attack. We both have left-arm fast bowlers, but the kind of passion they play with, and whenever they play in Dubai, they get the home advantage,” Raina noted.

He further elaborated on Pakistan’s familiarity with Dubai’s conditions, saying, “Pakistan has played a lot of cricket in Dubai, and we have also lost a World Cup game there. But this scenario will be different because Rohit Sharma knows how crucial these matches with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand are.”

Highlighting the importance of India’s top-order batting, Raina said, “I think top three–Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli–one of these batsmen will have to play till the 35th over. Then we have those kinds of batsmen who can play big shots.”

The India-Pakistan rivalry has always evoked intense emotions from fans and players alike. Raina remarked, “You know there is a different kind of passion when it comes to India versus Pakistan. A lot of people from Delhi might be planning to go to Dubai to watch matches.”

Quoting former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, Raina concluded with a rallying call for Kohli, “Like Shoaib Akhtar said, ‘Wake up Virat, you have to face Pakistan.'”

Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina believes left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will be the side’s X-factor in middle overs with the ball in the upcoming Champions Trophy games in Dubai. Since January 2023, India have picked 186 wickets in overs 11-40, and that’s generally been the phase where Kuldeep has bamboozled the batters. On Saturday, Kuldeep, who’s not played any competitive cricket since his hernia surgery in November, was included in India’s squads for ODIs against England and the Champions Trophy.

With uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah’s participation and Mohammed Shami himself returning from an Achilles injury, a lot will depend on Kuldeep, who has 172 wickets in 106 ODIs, to weave his magic in the middle overs for India in the three matches against England and the eight-team Champions Trophy starting on February 19.

The good news, though, is that Kuldeep has been bowling at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is building up well to achieve full-match fitness. Raina, a member of India winning the 2013 Champions Trophy, also feels Hardik Pandya’s seam bowling will be of importance in middle overs.

“From the way you will look at it, Arshdeep will be the key along with Bumrah, who will be very lethal when it comes to death overs as well. But the most important role here will be of Hardik Pandya, like will he come to bowl with Kuldeep? Moreover, will Washington Sundar or Axar Patel play?

“I feel that Arshdeep, Shami, Bumrah, Hardik, Kuldeep and Axar or Jadeja (will be the initial bowling combination), as you can increase the batting, especially with top five batters there. Hardik can be used as a floater, with Rishabh Pant capable of batting well.

“But the most important player in the middle who can bring a little bit of pressure will be Kuldeep Yadav. We all remember how he castled Babar Azam and changed the game. Right now, he is working very hard at the NCA and he also has that skill of deceiving batters with a very different type of action.

“We do need to praise Rohit Sharma for the way he’s backed Kuldeep Yadav. We did have a mystery spinner in Varun Chakaravarthy during the T20 World Cup there in 2021 in Dubai. But Kuldeep Yadav has that stillness, different action and bowls in a very different way. So, I think the X-factor in middle-overs bowling will be Kuldeep Yadav,” said Raina while replying to a question from IANS in the Star Sports press room show.

For the ODIs against England, set to happen in Nagpur, Cuttack and Ahmedabad on February 6, 9 and 12, respectively, seam-bowling Harshit Rana is in the Indian team as a cover for Bumrah, who will not be ready for the first two matches of the bilateral series.

With doubts still over Bumrah, who hasn’t bowled since back spasms didn’t allow him to bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test, Raina stated Rana is a promising player but felt India will be better off having Mohammed Siraj in the squad if the fast-bowling spearhead isn’t fit.

“Harshit Rana has good pace, good bumper, variation, yorker and pace, as seen from the Test matches he played in Australia. He’s young and brings something new to the table, while we all saw the different pace and angles he brought in for KKR in IPL. He and both Arshdeep Singh can bowl at the death. But I still feel Siraj is a better option if Bumrah is not fit,” he said.

India, the two-time Champions Trophy winners, will begin their Group A campaign in Dubai against Bangladesh on February 20, after which they play against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, before facing New Zealand on March 2.

23-year-old opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was included in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, despite having not yet made his debut in ODI cricket. However, despite amassing 1,771 runs in international cricket across Tests and T20Is in 2024, Jaiswal may not feature in the playing XI for the Champions Trophy, with captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill set to open the batting. Speaking on the topic, 2011 World Cup-winner Suresh Raina also echoed the sentiment, leaving out Jaiswal as an opener.

“It is a valid question. There will certainly be a concern as to how Jaiswal comes into the XI. Otherwise there is only one left-hander in the XI, which is Rishabh Pant,” Raina said.

“So then do you put Jaiswal at No. 3, or make him open, send Gill at 3, Virat Kohli at 4?” Raina said.

However, despite the lack of left-handers in the India XI, Raina stated that he would not tinker with the opening combination.

“I would open with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. When Gill gets set, he goes on to make a big score. But Jaiswal will be so important for Rohit Sharma as a second opener, particularly if Rohit or Gill get injured,” Raina added.

While Gill boasts an average of over 58 in ODIs, he was only India’s fifth-highest run-scorer at the 2023 World Cup, and failed to notch up a century either. However, Gill has been entrusted the vice-captaincy, continuing on from India’s previous ODI tour.

On the other hand, Jaiswal scored 582 runs more than Gill in the 2024 calendar year, undoubtedly being India’s standout better in the longest format of the game.

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has heaped praise on Rohit Sharma’s leadership after the Indian captain decided to sit out of the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Test. Despite not being a part of the playing XI, Rohit was seen actively involved during the game, discussing strategies with the team during a drinks break on Saturday. Raina took to his social media platform, X, to commend Rohit’s selflessness and commitment to the team’s success.

Sharing his thoughts, Raina wrote, “Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the game.”

Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the… pic.twitter.com/L3rPlMlRT6

— Suresh Raina???????? (@ImRaina) January 4, 2025

Rohit’s decision to opt out of poor form has sparked conversations about his dedication and the importance of putting the team first. His involvement on the field, even in a non-playing capacity, highlights his commitment to ensuring India’s success in the series.

The fifth Test remains crucial, with both teams locked in a battle to secure the series. Rohit’s presence off the field and his efforts to guide the team are being seen as pivotal in shaping India’s approach during this high-stakes encounter.

Coming to the match, Rishabh Pant’s blitz knock helped India post 141/6 on the board in their second innings on Saturday, extending their lead to 145 runs against Australia on Day 2 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Test. Earlier in the day, Australia was bowled out for 181, giving India a slender lead.

Coming out to bat in the final session, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul displayed some fluent strokes, but the first breakthrough came when Scott Boland dismissed Rahul for 13, leaving India at 42/1. Jaiswal soon followed, clean bowled by Boland for 22.

India faced further setbacks as star batter Virat Kohli was caught in the slip cordon by Steve Smith off Boland for 17, falling to a delivery outside the off-stump. At 59/3, India was in trouble.

Debutant Beau Webster added to India’s woes, claiming his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Shubman Gill for 13.

Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter ignited the innings with a scintillating counterattack, smashing Mitchell Starc for a six on the very first ball he faced. He then unleashed a flurry of boundaries, hitting three in a single over from Webster. Pant raced to a half-century in just 29 balls, hitting two consecutive sixes to Starc, the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Tests. The record of 28 balls, also held by Pant, was set against Sri Lanka in 2022.

Pant’s explosive knock ended at 61 off 33 balls when he was dismissed by Pat Cummins. His innings featured six boundaries and four towering sixes, lifting India to 124/5.

Nitish Kumar Reddy added only 4 runs before chipping a simple catch to Cummins at mid-off, becoming Boland’s fourth victim of the day.

At stumps, Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) remained unbeaten, showing grit to keep India’s lead intact. With the match finely poised, India will look to extend their advantage on Day 3.