Back in the day, he had the happy knack of breaking partnerships and Suresh Raina knows it more than anyone else how having multiple part-time options lends balance and versatility to every team, something India is missing these days.
With all-rounder Hardik Pandya not bowling (save one game) after his back surgery, India is playing without a sixth bowling option, who can roll his arm over and be a partnership-breaker, in just concluded limited over series against Australia.
"It is very important for a batsman to bowl and a bowler to bat, it's is always useful for the team," Raina said at the launch of an app.
"It is very important for any captain that a batsman chips in with 4-5 overs and just slows the proceedings before your best bowler is back in the attack," he added.
The 34-year-old, who himself bowled part-time off-breaks, said former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag all would regularly bowl for the team which helped in maintaining balance of the side.
"Sachin paaji bowled, Viru bhai took a lot of wickets. Yuvi paaji helped us win the World Cup with the momentum," Raina said.
"When we used to play tournaments in the villages, to be in the team, we had to bowl alongside batting otherwise we weren't selected.
"Fielding had to be good as we didn't know if we'd get a chance to bat or not. Bowling is arduous, no one likes to do it. But then the captain gets a choice that this player can bowl," he added.
