Suresh Raina Takes Dig at Virat Kohli, Says Cricketers Date Actresses for Publicity

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina disclosed that there was a period when PR teams encouraged cricketers to date Bollywood actresses for publicity.

In a recent interview with The Lallantop, when asked about bringing girlfriends on tour during his playing days, Suresh Raina explained that it was against the rules.

Raina went on to explain that when young cricketers gained popularity, PR agencies would approach them for endorsements, and this often involved suggestions to date Bollywood actresses.

Here’s Suresh Raina told The Lallantop:

“It’s important to do endorsements when you are getting popular, but you should avoid distractions. They ask us to do Bollywood, date some actress, but at the end of the day, you will be acknowledged for your game, right?

“Bollywood and cricket have had a long relationship, so PR teams always try to push you to date a Bollywood actress. I was asked to do the same, but I told them all this isn’t allowed at my home. They believe that doing this will help you in marketing.”

Suresh Raina’s name was linked with Anushka Sharma at one point, amidst rumours in both Bollywood and cricket circles suggesting they dated for a few months before the truth emerged that it was just a rumour.

There were also rumours linking Tollywood actress Shruti Haasan to Suresh Raina, but both clarified that they never dated.

Of note, former Indian captain Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, while other Indian cricketers like Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan are also married to actresses.