5 Reasons why Raina's inclusion is a must for the World Cup 

Suresh Raina has got a golden opportunity in the on going T20 leg of the India's tour of South Africa, to nail his spot in the side. With Rahane, Iyer and Jadhav failing to impress, the middle order conundrum continued for Team India even though they hammered South Africa in the series. He has the experience and the captain's support to make it count. Since the World Cup 2019 just a year away, he has to make the impact as soon as possible. So, here are the five reasons why we think Raina's inclusion is a must for the World Cup 2019:

#1 An experienced campaigner

His partnerships with MS is something that every Indian fan cherishes.

Suresh Raina has played over 200 ODIs and has been around for more than 12 years now, which means he has tons of experience to flourish at the international arena. Experience is essential for any player to succeed as it help one to tackle tricky situations. His experience also gives a player like MS Dhoni the freedom to play aggressively knowing that a player like Raina is at the other end who can very well finish the match.

#2 The only left-hander in the middle-order

His inside out shots are a delight to watch.

Apart from Shikhar Dhawan, there is no left-handed batsman in the whole Indian batting order which makes it monotonous. Of late, India has struggled to up the scoring rate in the middle overs against the leg-spinners and left arm off spinners as their balls leave the right-handed batsman. A player like Raina can easily take them on as he is a leftie and the ball will turn in to him so he can hit with the spin. He averages a staggering 51 against the spin and is confident when it comes to striking.

#3 An Outstanding Fielder

Raina is arguably India's best fielder with Jadeja out of the side

India's ground fielding in recent years has improved a lot, and all the credit goes to players like Raina, Yuvraj and Kaif. But the same can't be said as far as catching is concerned. Kedar Jadhav, who is Raina's replacement in the current Indian set-up, has dropped a considerable amount of catches, which has raised a concern. On the other hand, a player like Raina has the ability to convert even the half chances into catches. With him improving his fitness level, there shouldn't be much doubt about his contributions on the field.

#4 More than a handy bowler

Raina has always been a trump card with the ball

With Hardik Pandya not being able to complete his quota of overs with efficiency, India is in need of a player who can be a genuine sixth bowling option and can also bat in the middle order. Raina fills all those requirements. With over 35 wickets and an economy of 5 in 98 innings, he is more than a handy bowling option. Since India has been fielding two wrist spinners in the form of Kuldeep and Chahal, Raina can be the only finger spinner in the team. He is very effective if the pitch offers assistance to the spinners.

#5 An ultimate team-man

Raina always gives more than 100% for his team.

Whenever a bowler picks up a wicket, the first thing we see is that Raina is greeting him. He is an ultimate team man, and a character like him can raise the spirit of the team. He tries to contribute in every way possible for the team. He is also one of those few Indian players, who has the ability to strike from the word go. His career strike-rate of upwards of 93 in ODIs is a testimony of that.