PM Narendra Modi's Letter to Suresh Raina: 'Would Take Days to Count Number of Runs You Saved with Alertness on Field'

Ace India cricketer Suresh Raina announced his retirement on August 15, along with MS Dhoni, bringing end to a golden era. Wishes poured in from around the world, after two highly successful careers culminated after serving the nation for so long.

Like prime minister Narendra Modi wrote a special letter for Dhoni, he did for Raina as well. A paragraph from the letter read, "Generations will remember you not only as a fine batsman but also as a very useful bowler who the captain could turn to when the situation demanded. Your fielding was exemplary and inspiring. Some of the best catches in recent international cricket have your distinctive imprint. It would take days to count just the number of runs you have saved with your alertness on field."

Raina then took to Twitter to thank him for his wishes. He tweeted, "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

Earlier, the PM had written for Dhoni,"The name Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not be remembered merely for his cricketing statistics or specific match-winning roles. Looking at you as just a sportsperson would be injustice. The correct way to assess your impact is as a phenomenon.