Scoring 500 runs in IPL may lead to selection

Suresh Raina believes that playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) can help cricketers earn a spot on the national team. He says the IPL has fast-tracked many players' careers and allowed them to showcase their talents. Players like Hardik Pandya and Yashasvi Jaiswal have used the league to prove themselves and eventually represent India. As the IPL's 18th season begins in Kolkata, Raina reflects on how the league has helped young athletes grow. He highlights examples of successful players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who started their journeys in the IPL and went on to become captains. Raina is excited about the new generation of cricketers, including Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh. Raina, an IPL legend himself, scored over 5,500 runs in his career. He emphasizes that having a good IPL season can lead to international opportunities. "If you score 500 runs in a season, you can represent your country," he said. He encourages young players to focus on their game, be consistent, and take advantage of each IPL season to improve. The opening match of IPL 2025 will feature the Kolkata Knight Riders facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. However, there is a possibility of rain, as the Indian Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for West Bengal, including Kolkata.