New Delhi, Aug 13 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recounted a remarkable fan experience tied to one of the most memorable sixes he hit during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Raina, who was part of the Indian squad that clinched the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, concluded his playing career as a four-time IPL champion with the Chennai Super Kings.

“In 2008, when the IPL kicked off, I distinctly remember the Wankhede Stadium was not as modern as it is today; it retained its classic charm. We were playing a qualifier against Punjab, and I struck a six off James Hopes that soared outside the stadium,” Raina narrated.

“Years later, while getting a haircut, a girl approached me with a cricket ball to sign. I didn’t realize it was ‘that’ ball. She asked, ‘Sir, do you recognize this ball?’ I replied, ‘It’s just an ordinary cricket ball.’ She said, ‘Sir, this is the ball you hit outside Wankhede Stadium!’”

“She explained she had been outside the stadium when it happened, saw the ball land, and kept it. I never expected such devotion, and honestly, James Hopes should have been the one asking me for the ball’s autograph!” Raina added in an episode of the ‘Cheeky Singles’ show on JioHotstar.

He then recounted a playful in-flight prank by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar during his early days with the Indian team. “We were traveling for a Test match when I was around 18, and I was seated in business class next to Sachin paaji. The air hostess greeted Sachin and mistakenly assumed I was his son Arjun Tendulkar.

“Sachin paaji seized the moment for some fun and said, ‘Yes, he’s not studying at all, what can I do? I’ve even informed Anjali (Tendulkar).’ Later, when we joined the other players, I blurted, ‘Why am I sitting in business class? You’ve made me Arjun Tendulkar!’ Sachin eventually clarified for the air hostess, ‘He’s part of the Indian cricket team, he’s Suresh Raina, not my son.’ Paaji enjoyed playing such grand pranks occasionally.”

Former Indian captain and legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble shared his own stories of being mistaken for various cricket legends. “People have mistaken me for Javagal Srinath, Ravi Shastri, Kapil Dev, and even Azharuddin. In the US, someone came up to me and said, 'You are Sunil Gavaskar.’ That was a bit too much!”

He also shared a humorous encounter at a party where someone unsolicitedly offered him bowling tips. “While I was still an active player, a man approached me, clearly inebriated, and said, ‘You should bowl leg spin like this.’”

“I replied, ‘What are you doing tomorrow morning?’ His enthusiasm waned instantly. He asked, ‘Why?’ I responded, ‘We have practice at 9:30. Come dressed for it and show me how to enhance my leg-spin.’ Just like that, he vanished.”