Suresh Raina: Challenge is to stop MS Dhoni from playing trademark helicopter shot

Raina would be beaming with confidence to carry forward his form against SL.

New Delhi: Veteran Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who is set to lead the new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Gujarat Lions, feels that it wouldn't be easy for his side to stop Mahendra Singh Dhoni from playing his trademark helicopter shot.

Raina, who played under Dhoni in the suspended Chennai Super Kings (CSK), also had a conversation with the Ranchi cricketer regarding playing against each other in the cash-rich league.

"Me and Dhoni played quite a few finals together. It will be a challenge to stop Dhoni playing the helicopter shot. Me and Dhoni talked in Australia how we will be in different teams, but it will be fun.

“Imagine (Ravindra) Jadeja celebrating dismissing Dhoni," laughed Raina, who played a crucial role in taking India home in the third T20I against Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

The players' auction for the IPL-9 is scheduled to take place on February 6 in Bengaluru. And Raina is looking forward to it.

"I am excited about the auction. We need to sit with the coach (Brad Hodge) and owner to decide on the auction. I urge everyone to support Gujarat Lions, the first IPL team from the region. A lot of youngsters are coming up. It will be all about playing fearless cricket," said Raina.

After an excellent performance in T20 series Down Under, Raina would be beaming with confidence to carry forward the form in the forthcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, starting 12 February.