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Raina: I'm confident to lead India

Suresh Raina said his experience of playing under different captains will help him lead a young brigade in India’s first series after becoming world champions.
“Learnt a lot from captains I’ve played under, including Anil Kumble, MS Dhoni and Rahul Dravid. Tour to the West Indies is very important for young players who are keen to do well,” said Raina. He also said he is upbeat at the prospect of captaining the side.
The Indian team will be playing in the ODIs without Gautam Gambhir, prolific opener Virender Sehwag, man-of-the-tournament in the World Cup, Yuvraj Singh – all of whom are out with injuries.
Regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and senior pacer Zaheer Khan have been rested keeping in mind the gruelling two and a half month tour of England that starts in July.
“I am really honoured to be leading the side. I am happy with the side as we have some very good batsmen in Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, S Badrinath and Shikhar Dhawan, all of whom have done well in first-class cricket,” said Raina.
“Badrinath, especially, has done well in first-class cricket and deserves to be in the team. I hope we will do well in the West Indies,” said Raina, who will hand over the reins to Dhoni when he returns for the three-Test series to be held after the conclusion of the five ODIs.
“We have a good balanced side. Important to stay focused and disciplined for the series,” he said.
On being asked to analyse the West Indies side, Raina said playing there is always a challenge. He said even though Chris Gayle was ignored, the side would still be tough opponents.
He said: “West Indies have players like Gayle missing but it will be a challenge for us. We will surely do well.”
The Indians start the tour with the only T20 international at Port of Spain on June 4. It will be followed by the ODI series that starts June 6.