India will win an ICC trophy in the next 12-16 months: Raina

Former India batsman Suresh Raina believes skipper Virat Kohli should be given a bit more time to win his maiden ICC trophy. The Men in Blue have a solid record under Kohli but are yet to win a major tournament. 

India have come close thrice to win an ICC Trophy – the Champions Trophy in 2017, the 2019 World Cup and most recently, the WTC final – but have stumbled in the knockouts. However, with three consecutive World Cups lined up (two T20 World Cups and one 50-over World Cup), Raina is confident that Kohli and Co. will successfully manage to break the jinx.

"I think he has been the No. 1 captain. His record proves that he has achieved a lot. I think he is the No. 1 batsman in the world. You’re talking about an ICC trophy but he hasn’t even won an IPL yet," Raina told News24 Sports.

"I feel that he needs to be given some time. There are 2-3 World Cups taking place one after the other - two T20 World Cups and then the 50-over World Cup. It’s not easy to reach the final - sometimes you miss out on a few things.

"See, we are not chokers, because we already have the 1983 World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup the then 50-over World Cup in 2011. We need to understand that players are training hard. With three World Cups approaching, I don't think anyone will call them chokers.

"We need to give them a little more time. They are doing well and Virat has the capability to change the game. We need to respect the new style of this team. But I feel that in the next 12 to 16 months, an ICC trophy is going to come to India."

India were outclassed by New Zealand in the WTC final and Raina said it was largely because of the batting unit. 

"The WTC final was one such example. People said it was because of the conditions but I feel there was something lacking in batting. The bigger batsmen will have to stitch partnerships and take responsibilities," said the Chennai Super Kings batsman.