IPL 2017: Suresh Raina credits MS Dhoni for his batting success against KKR

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Kolkata, April 22: Gujarat Lions (GL) captain Suresh Raina steered his side to victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2017 last night (April 21) and said he had learnt the art of setting examples as a leader, from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. (Match scorecard)

Chasing 188 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Friday night, GL won by 4 wickets in 18.2 overs thanks to Raina's 46-ball 84 (9x4, 4x6). The knock won him the Man-of-the-match award. (Match highlights)

The left-handed Raina admitted that he loved batting in pressure situations and had learnt how to plan a run chase from Dhoni, being a team-mate with him in the national side and in Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

"I love batting in pressure situations and it is a challenge I relish. I have batted with him (MS Dhoni) for almost 10 years now and always admired how he would finish games for the side," Raina told the IPL's official website after the match.

"I have learnt how to cut down on asking rates from 9 per over to a 7 per over from him. The middle overs in a T20 game is very important and you need to take calculated risks.

"It is something that I did tonight and have learnt over the years. I was hitting the ball really well and looked to be positive throughout my innings though wickets were falling at the other end," he added.

The 30-year-old, who is now the leading run scorer in IPL history, said, "When you are a captain, you are there to win a game and set examples for your side. It is something that I have learnt from Dhoni while playing with him for India and Chennai Super Kings."

GL are at 7th position in the points table with 2 wins from 6 games. They next face Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Sunday (April 23) in Rajkot.

OneIndia News