Suresh Raina shockingly kicks aside MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli as he picks his World XI
Former Indian Cricketer Suresh Raina Reveals Dream World Playing XI
Former Indian World Cup winner Suresh Raina recently made headlines by unveiling his Dream World Playing XI during the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL 2025). Interestingly, Raina’s team did not include his former captain MS Dhoni or the modern-era legend Virat Kohli, who has retired from Test and T20I cricket.
Raina’s Dream Team Selections
Going old-school with his picks, Raina selected the legendary West Indian Brian Lara and all-time great Sachin Tendulkar as his openers. The star-studded middle order features West Indies legends Sir Vivian Richards and Garry Sobers, as well as India’s all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. To provide balance, Raina picked English all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff.
Raina opted for a heavy spin attack, including late Australian spinner Shane Warne, Indian greats Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, and Pakistan’s spin wizard Saqlain Mushtaq. To complete the squad, Raina selected former South African wrist-spinner Paul Adams as the impact player.
While Raina did not specify a captain for his Dream XI, he could have chosen MS Dhoni, known for his exceptional leadership skills. However, Raina decided to overlook both Dhoni and Kohli in his lineup.
Return to Action in WCL 2025
Meanwhile, Suresh Raina is preparing to return to the field in the ongoing WCL 2025 tournament. He will be representing the India Champions team, alongside big names from Indian cricket like Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, and the Pathan brothers.
The India Champions squad boasts a strong lineup of retired Indian cricketing legends, ready to showcase their skills in the tournament.
Raina’s Impressive Career
Raina retired from international cricket in 2020 after an illustrious career that saw him represent India in various formats. He was a key member of the squad that won the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy.
With over 8000 international runs to his name, Raina also had a successful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Chennai Super Kings, winning four IPL titles. He remains one of the highest run-scorers in IPL history with several impressive performances under his belt.
As Raina gears up to showcase his talent once again in the WCL 2025, fans are eager to see how he performs alongside his former teammates and cricketing legends.
Analysis of Raina’s Dream World Playing XI Selection
Suresh Raina’s Dream World Playing XI selection reflects his admiration for legendary cricketers from different eras. By choosing a combination of iconic players like Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, and Garry Sobers, Raina emphasizes the importance of respecting the history and legacy of the game. These players have left an indelible mark on cricket with their exceptional skills and achievements, making them worthy additions to any dream team.
Furthermore, Raina’s emphasis on spin bowling in his lineup showcases his appreciation for the art of spin. With the inclusion of spin maestros like Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, and Saqlain Mushtaq, Raina recognizes the strategic value that spinners bring to a team. Their ability to deceive batsmen and take crucial wickets adds depth and variety to the bowling attack, making them indispensable in any team composition.
Additionally, Raina’s choice of all-rounders like Yuvraj Singh, Ian Botham, and Andrew Flintoff highlights the importance of versatile players who can contribute with both bat and ball. These players bring balance to the team by providing options in both batting and bowling departments, making them valuable assets in any playing XI.
Significance of Raina’s Return to Action in WCL 2025
After retiring from international cricket in 2020, Suresh Raina’s participation in the WCL 2025 tournament marks a significant comeback for the veteran cricketer. His decision to take the field once again demonstrates his passion for the game and his desire to continue competing at a high level. By joining the India Champions team alongside other retired Indian cricketing legends, Raina has the opportunity to showcase his skills and relive the camaraderie of playing with former teammates.
For fans of Indian cricket, Raina’s return to action in WCL 2025 is a chance to witness one of their beloved cricketers back in the spotlight. With his proven track record of success in both international cricket and the IPL, Raina’s presence adds excitement and anticipation to the tournament, as spectators eagerly await his performances on the field.
Legacy of Suresh Raina in Indian Cricket
Throughout his career, Suresh Raina has been a stalwart of Indian cricket, contributing to some of the most memorable moments in the sport’s history. As a key member of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad and the 2013 Champions Trophy triumph, Raina played crucial roles in India’s success on the global stage. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning performances has endeared him to fans and established his legacy in Indian cricket.
In the IPL, Raina’s success with the Chennai Super Kings further solidified his reputation as a dependable performer in the shortest format of the game. With four IPL titles to his name and numerous runs scored, Raina’s impact on the league has been significant, earning him a place among the top performers in IPL history.
As Suresh Raina continues to showcase his talent in the WCL 2025 tournament, his legacy in Indian cricket remains intact, inspiring a new generation of cricketers to follow in his footsteps and make their mark on the sport.
By delving deeper into Raina’s Dream World Playing XI selection, the significance of his return to action in WCL 2025, and his enduring legacy in Indian cricket, this expanded content provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Suresh Raina’s impact on the game.


