I don’t think anyone will call Team India chokers: Suresh Raina

India’s 2021 World Test Championship campaign did not have a satisfying end. If we consider the last three ICC events, Team India has made its way into the final stages of the tournament. 

Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, India has reached heights-whether it’s being the undisputed number one team in Tests for five consecutive years or a dominant run in the limited-overs game. This can be viewed as a testament to India's brand of cricket; the only thing missing is an ICC trophy.

In an interaction with News24 Sports, former India batsmen Suresh Raina backed the 32-year-old's leadership stating that an ICC trophy has been long overdue and is a possibility in the near future.

“I think he has been the No. 1 captain. His record proves that he has achieved a lot. I think he is the No. 1 batsman in the world. You’re talking about an ICC trophy but he hasn’t even won an IPL yet. I feel that he needs to be given some time. There are 2-3 World Cups taking place one after the other - two T20 World Cups and then the 50-over World Cup. It’s not easy to reach the final - sometimes you miss out on a few things," the former left-handed batsman told News24 Sports.

Team India under Kohli’s captaincy in world events

• 2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Runners-up

• 2019 ICC World Cup: Semi-finalists

• 2021 ICC World Test Championship: Runners-up

India aren’t chokers reckons, Suresh Raina

“See, we are not chokers, because we already have the 1983 World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup the then 50-over World Cup in 2011. We need to understand that players are training hard. With three World Cups approaching, I don’t think anyone will call them chokers. We need to give them a little more time. They are doing well and Virat has the capability to change the game. We need to respect the new style of this team. But I feel that in the next 12 to 16 months, an ICC trophy is going to come to India," Suresh Raina explained.