It wasn’t the biggest or the fastest. It pales in comparison to Chris Gayle’s recent world record. But in terms of job satisfaction it was right up there.
Suresh Raina has achieved plenty in recent years. The 26-year-old has become an established Indian Test batsman and was a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. He has also proved himself a consistent run getter in the Indian Premier League – compiling more than 400 runs in every season to date, while becoming the first player to surpass 2,500 runs in the league’s history.
But his resume had a hole. In close to a hundred appearances for the Chennai Super Kings, Raina had never completed an IPL century. He had come excruciatingly close – only to fall two runs short back in 2009 when a scoreboard malfunction led him briefly to believe he had become the first Indian to achieve the feat.
This time there would be no doubt. Raina left it until the final over but, despite a run out scare, he pushed a single off the penultimate delivery to reach exactly 100 to the delight of the home fans. The ovation was deservedly long and loud and Raina returned the compliment by applauding the massed ranks of Chennai supporters.
Wonderful entertainment combined with flawless execution. Raina’s long awaited century was struck off just 53 deliveries and featured seven fours and six maximums. A personal milestone he’ll never forget but also the foundation on which CSK built their 7th straight IPL victory over Kings Xl Punjab. The win guarantees Chennai a playoff berth with five games to spare.
Raina finally has a full house. The headlines are often filled with stories of his more illustrious teammates – MS Dhoni and Mike Hussey in particular. Raina, though, is the only one to have scored centuries in every cricketing format – including T20 domestic and international competition.
It may not be possible to stop Chennai but it is certainly in the interests of their opponents to slow them down. CSK have evolved into a well-oiled machine this year and with the experience of IPL success behind them it will take a big effort to disrupt the rhythm.
Maybe Mumbai can throw a spanner in the works. The Indians host the Lions on Sunday in the big game of the weekend. Mumbai have done barely enough to keep itself in the playoff picture and need a morale boosting result to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
Ricky Ponting’s decision to drop himself was both brave and necessary. The Australian legend has suffered a torrid time at the crease and only he can judge if and when the time is right to step back on the field. Mumbai needs an in-form Ponting to lead them in the right direction and perhaps Tuesday’s home game against outgoing champions Kolkata will be a suitable moment.
Crucial days lie ahead for Rajasthan. Rahul Dravid’s team will be relishing the prospect of back-to-back home games against two of the IPL strugglers – the Pune Warriors and the Delhi Daredevils. The Royals must win both to cement their bid for a playoff berth for the first time since 2008.
The expansion Sunrisers franchise is also hoping to take advantage of 2 straight home games. Delhi visits Hyderabad on Saturday before Chennai comes to town next Wednesday. The Sunrisers have the comparative luxury of playing four of their final six games on home soil and that could be pivotal as the battle for top four places intensifies.