You are way too young to retire: PM Modi to Suresh Raina

Mumbai : Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina on Friday shared a thank you note from PM Narendra Modi on Twitter, days after announcing his retirement from the international cricket. 

"When we play, we give our blood & sweat for the nation. No better appreciation than being loved by the people of this country and even more by the country's PM. Thank you @narendramodi ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind," tweeted the former India cricketer.

PM Modi showered praise on Suresh Raina and said that he will not just be remembered for his batting but also for being an "exemplary and inspiring" fielding.

PM Modi also recalled watching Raina at the Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad during the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals against Australia, saying "India can never forget your inspiring role" in the match.

The Prime Minister hailed Raina's team spirit saying, "you played not for personal glory but for the glory of your team and the glory of India".

Suresh Raina had announced his retirement on August 15, minutes after Mahendra Singh Dhoni had announced his retirement.

Raina finished his One-Day International (ODI) career with 5,615 runs at an average of 35.13 and a strike rate of 93.50. He scored 1,605 runs in Twenty20 Internationals at an average 29.18 and a strike of 134.87.

In Tests, Raina scored a century on debut against Sri Lanka in 2010 but couldn't build on that start as he finished with 768 runs from 18 Tests.