Suresh Raina, India's skipper for the limited-overs series in West Indies, said on Tuesday that it was a great honour for him to have been appointed as the captain of the national side for the tour. Speaking to members of the press before the Board of Control for Cricket in India's awards ceremony here, Raina said that he felt proud to have been given the responsibility. "I am looking forward to the opportunity and hope to take the team to success on the tour," he said.
Raina was appointed to lead the side after Gautam Gambhir was ruled out of the series with a shoulder injury. India's World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni had already been asked to rest by the cricket board though he will resume duty for the 3 Test-match series that follow the ODI matches.
The player from Uttar Pradesh also mentioned that some of the young-stars included in the side are raring to showcase their talent at the international arena after performing well in the domestic circuit. "There are players who have been included in the side who have done very well in first-class matches. The tour will be a good opportunity for all of them."
Raina also said his experience in the Caribbean will help world champion India maintain a successful run during the limited-overs leg of the upcoming tour of West Indies.
On the eve of the team's departure on Tuesday, he notes he's been to West Indies in 2006 and for the World Cup in 2007. He also says he's learned a lot under previous skippers Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Anil Kumble, and Rahul Dravid.
He says "I hope to put all my experience to good use."
India will also be under the guidance of new coach Duncan Fletcher and Raina added that the team under it's new coach was absolutely ready for the West Indies.
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