Indian batsman Suresh Raina, who smashed an 84-run knock to guide Gujarat Lions to a four-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash last evening, has received a flurry of praise from the cricket fraternity including his teammates.
Lions' chase of 188 on Friday was not an easy one.
Despite an aggressive start from openers Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum, the team was struggling at 122 for 5 in the 13th over before after Raina led the way with a 46-ball knock to set the platform for the much-needed win for Gujarat franchise.
In the process, he also surpassed Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli's aggregate to become IPL's top run-getter.
Describing Raina as 'one of the best T20 players', McCullum admitted that the Indian player was at different level during the match.
"Our skipper @ImRaina was on a different level! Showed again why he is one of the very best T20 players around! Proud of ya brother!" he tweeted.
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Raina's other team-mate Jason Roy wrote, "Serious run chase last night. Massive effort from the boys to get back to winning ways. The skipper, @ImRaina OUTSTANDING @TheGujaratLions."
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke also praised Raina for his brilliant knock, saying, "Brilliant captains knock from @ImRaina very pleased for him and an important win from the @TheGujaratLions."
"Raina has rewound the clock tonight...needed a captain's knock to get the campaign back on track. Pls play an extra bowler next time. Tx (sic)," former Indian skipper Aakash Chopra wrote.
Lavishing praise on Raina, embattled Indian bowler Sreesanth said that the Gujarat Lions captain has shown to the world that his class his permanent.
"@ImRaina class is permanent..,showing it to the world in the best possible way..God bless u Nd keep going Strong. Real captain's knock," Sreesanth tweeted.
England spinner Monty Panesar tweeted, "You beauty @ImRaina @TheGujaratLions. Looks like today "game taareee cheyyy" @IPL @SonySIX @SkySports @SonyMAX."
Gujarat Lions, who are now at the seventh spot in the points table, will next lock horns with Kings XI Punjab in their next clash at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Sunday.