Suresh Raina reflects on big-match mindset; picks India's centurion in T20 WC 2026

Suresh Raina on his big-game mindset and T20 World Cup [Source: LoyalSachinFan/X.com]

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina, famously known for his big-match performances for both India and Chennai Super Kings, is currently playing the inaugural season of the World Legends Pro T20 League for the Rajasthan Lions.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 just days away, the southpaw reflected on his approach in handling pressure and backed one of India’s current batters to end the 16-year wait for a T20 World Cup in the competition, joining him in the elite list.

Suresh Raina on the big game mindset

During his playing days, batting between numbers 5 and 7, Raina often found himself in crunch situations, when his team needed stability or score brisk runs at the end of an innings.

Right from scoring the famous 81* (89) against England in Faridabad, 2006, to the Asia Cup, World Cup and IPL knockout matches in subsequent years — getting India and Chennai Super Kings in command was a theme of his career.

Touching upon how he handled pressure and what went through his head at such moments, he spoke about the importance of playing fearlessly and also credited MS Dhoni, alongside the team management, for giving him the license to play his own game.

“I used to look for the opportunity to play in difficult situations. It was about playing fearlessly, knowing the situations, and learning from the best. I never thought about getting out while trying to attack, and had the backing from the coach and captain to play freely.”

“Sometimes it is not easy to bat at 5-7, but it is crucial to play freely. I wanted to make my name and earn a tag that the team knows, there’s someone who will rescue you from any situation,” he said.

He also noted the role of playing domestic cricket as a youngster and having those runs behind you to build confidence and play in these challenging conditions, adding that Greg Chappell, Gary Kirsten and Duncan Fletcher all urged players to play for their states.

Raina predicts India’s next T20 World Cup centurion

As things stand ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Raina remains the only Indian with a century in the tournament, and the only one to have scored hundreds in both T20 and 50-over World Cups.

With both events approaching in the next 18-20 months, he has picked a couple of names who could join him in the exclusive list.

“Sanju Samson could be one of the names. He opens the batting [in T20Is] and has already scored centuries in South Africa. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan are among the left-hand batters who have the hunger and are batting really well. I captained Ishan in the Gujarat Lions, and he has that mindset and maturity to score big. It will be between these three, but somehow I feel it will be Sanju.”

He urged the team management to back Samson despite a slump in his form since his return to the top, calling him a match-winning player.

Legends reunite in Goa

Fondly known as Mr IPL, Raina, is currently accompanied by the likes of World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, South African all-rounder JP Duminy, among others, in the Rajasthan Lions’ squad. The league also features other legends like Chris Gayle, Harbhajan Singh and Martin Guptill, etc., who are all lighting up the tournament in Goa.

Speaking about the World Legends Pro T20 League, Raina said the league allows players to relive moments from their playing days with teammates and rivals, speaking highly of the atmosphere around the competition.

"This league really brings everyone together. The players are genuinely enjoying themselves and playing with a lot of freedom. There’s a strong focus on entertaining the crowd, and that’s what the league is all about. The stadium is beautiful, the crowds have been turning up in big numbers, and the atmosphere in Goa is vibrant and full of energy. It’s been a wonderful experience to be part of it,” he said.

Having played the season opener against Maharashtra Tycoons, the Lions fell short by 8-runs in a thriller, where the former IPL winner scored 8(6), including his trademark inside-out.