Calcutta: Sourav 'Dada' Ganguly, the Cricket Association of Bengal president, wouldn't have liked UP to hammer his state in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Well, Sourav should then have stayed away from the Eden Gardens on Monday. The former India captain's presence, as it turned out, inspired visiting captain Suresh Raina to blast 126 not out!
"I have the highest respect for Dada. That he chose to watch a domestic T20 tournament in person was a massive encouragement to all at the Eden. I probably got more motivated," Raina, who is on Mission Comeback, told The Telegraph late in the day.
Specifically, after a lengthy session at the gym.
Raina, who last played for India on February 1, 2017, added: "Generally, hardly anybody of note comes to watch domestic cricket. Yet, Dada thought it important to boost his team's morale and, in the process, inspired me as well...
"Really glad that Dada came...
"You were in Sri Lanka (in 2010) when I got a hundred on Test debut and you may recall that I'd said Dada's hundred on his debut, at Lord's in 1996, had been such a motivating innings."
Raina has played under Sourav and put him on a par with Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "Dada and MS have been India's greatest captains and my admiration for both is immense...
"Dada had a way of nurturing youngsters and, equally, MS knew how to encourage and when. That we have had two outstanding captains has been a blessing for India," Raina maintained.
Asked if it hurt missing out on the India colours for a year, Raina replied: "Definitely, but I've been working hard and, again, Dada's comeback in 2006-2007 is an inspiration...
"Dada proved that no matter who the coach (controversial Greg Chappell at that point in time), he was good enough to keep playing for India...
"It's important to follow a process and I've been doing just that. I'm 31 and this should ideally be the peak of my career...
"In fact, I've recently passed the Yo-Yo test. A minimum rating of 16.1 is required. I got close to 17 and am grateful to the staff at the NCA (in Bangalore) for being so wonderful...
"Nothing comes easy and I've been working very hard, looking to make a comeback which would matter so much...
"Sir, mera career abhi khatam nahin hua hai. I still have a lot to offer."
Instead of leaving everything at destiny's doorstep, Raina is intent on changing the script as it reads now.
"I've believed that the result or the outcome is in the hands of the individual. So, as they say, I'm trying not to leave any stone unturned...
"Rather than run 20 laps of any ground, I feel a batsman should bat two hours at the nets and correct/perfect his game...
"Therefore, I take my training seriously and have regularly been putting in the hours," Raina pointed out.
Actually, having made his India debut in 2005, Raina has spent a good many years playing for the country.
Also in the city for the same tournament (and with the same mission) is Yuvraj Singh, who made his India debut even earlier - 2000.
Monday saw both among the runs. Exciting days appear to lie ahead.
