Not disappointed over missing century: Raina

Hyderabad, May 9 (IANS)

Suresh Raina says he is not disappointed about missing a century in the IPL game against Sunrisers Hyderabad that his team Chennai Super Kings won by 77 runs here Wednesday night.

Raina remained unbeaten on 99 off 52 deliveries as CSK set a huge target of 224 for the home team.

“To be honest, I am not disappointed. We won the game that is more important than anything. I have been hitting the ball very well… that was more important than 100,” he told reporters.

Raina said they were probably expecting 140-150. “Vijay and Hussey batted very well in first five overs. We knew then that me, Hussey followed by Dhoni, Jadeja and Bravo can play till the last ball and we can easily score 180. Jadeja batted very well in the last over, particularly against Steyn, that is why we scored 223,” said Raina, who was declared man-of-the-match.

“It was very good wicket to bat on. We played very well. We had a good practice session yesterday. We had open nets and I was batting very well yesterday. I just looked to time the ball,” said Raina.

“It is all about belief and commitment,” he remarked when asked how CSK bounced back after suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians in their last match.

He said the team members, including foreigners and domestic players, were gelling well. “God has been very kind. We have a good franchise as well as coaching staff. We all believe in them and they gave us very good platform. When you have good coaching staff you tend to learn good things from them and execute them in the game.”