Aus-bound Raina draws confidence from success in 2015 World Cup

In the 2015 World Cup (50 overs) Down Under, Suresh Raina scored 284 runs, at a phenomenal average of 56.80, in eight matches.

The dashing left-hander tells Aruneel Sadadekar/Rediff.com that winning the upcoming T20 series against Australia will help Team India regain confidence ahead of the World T20 in March-April.   

Dropped from the ODI squad, Suresh Raina is all set to join the Indian team for the upcoming T20 series in Australia and determined show what the 'Men in blue' are missing.

The left-handed batsman is drawing confidence from his "good show" during the 2015 World Cup (50 overs) Down Under in which he scored 284 runs, at a phenomenal average of 56.80 in the eight matches he played in the quadrennial tournament.

"The last time I played in Australia it was in the World Cup and I was able to score runs in the conditions over there. I feel confident that I will be able to emulate it and score big during the T20 series Down Under," said Raina, after leading Uttar Pradesh to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament following a fighting three-wicket victory over Delhi on Monday.

He may have scored just 20 not out, 21, 22 in Uttar Pradesh's three straight victories, but the power-hitter considers the winning run is a "huge morale booster" ahead of the T20 series against Australia.

"We fought well and secured our third straight victory in the tournament. Success in this tournament serves as the perfect training ground ahead of the international events."

The 29-year-old added that the three T20s against Australia, starting January 26, holds much importance in the lead-up to the all-important World T20, to be held in India in March-April.

"It is a big tournament for us. We have done really well in T20 cricket. I think it is important to win those three games in Australia and get back our confidence before we come to India."

Though his focus is on cementing a place in India's limited-overs squads, Raina's next big challenge is defeating two-time champions Baroda in the final on Wednesday.

"I have enjoyed my stint in the domestic arena. My performance in the Ranji Trophy was good and now I hope we lift the trophy on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium," he said.