Rayudu and Raina know each other since the former was 16-year-old.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ambati Rayudu backed his teammate Suresh Raina to make a comeback in the Team India.
In an interaction with sports presenter Rupha Ramani on CSK's Instagram Live session, Rayudu believes it was unfortunate that IPL got postponed as Raina looked in good shape.
The Hyderabad batsman also added that Raina didn't get enough opportunity to bat in the top-order for India. "He has a lot of cricket left in him..I am putting a bet on it that he would make a comeback for India."
ALSO READ: IPL: Dwayne Bravo says he keeps poking Ambati Rayudu to make him angry for team's betterment
Rayudu knows Raina since he was 16 and when they reunited in CSK camp it was a nostalgic moment for him.
The 34-year-old has played for Mumbai Indians before coming to Super Kings. He drew a comparison between Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni as captain.
"Dhoni has been captain for all of us including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli and so whatever Rohit is becoming is because of MS Dhoni. He has learned a lot from him, there won't be much difference but I think he is going in the right direction. Long way to go for him and to achieve the success of Dhoni but I am sure he will get there," he said.
Rayudu also spoke about the difference between MI and CSK franchise. "At CSK it's pretty calm, they have a lot more faith in players' ability, while MI is more 'play-your-role' kind of a setup."
He also acknowledged the support Super Kings fans give them even during practice matches.
"CSK fans are emotional like how south Indians are, they have knowledge. Even when playing for India we don't see such a fan base," Ambati Rayudu concluded.