PM Narendra Modi writes letter to Suresh Raina, recalls watching southpaw bat in 2011 World Cup quarter-final

A day after Mahendra Singh Dhoni shared a letter written to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Chennai Super Kings teammate Suresh Raina has also done the same. The southpaw took to Twitter to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "words of appreciation" and "best wishes" following the Indian batsman's retirement from international cricket.  

“Thank you @narendramodi ji for your words of appreciation & best wishes. I accept them with gratitude. Jai Hind," tweeted the former India cricketer.  

In his letter, PM Modi was full of praise for impact that Raina had on the cricket field, saying that not only would he be remembered for his batting but also for being an "exemplary and inspiring" fielder. 

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". 

Raina had announced his retirement minutes after former Indian skipper MS Dhoni decided to hang his boots. The two have played together at CSK as well as for India. Among his other feats, Raina was the first Indian cricketer to score a T20I century.  

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. 

He will continue to represent Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.