Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Ambati Rayudu has said that he was confident that his teammate Suresh Raina would make a comeback in Team India.
Talking to sports writer and presenter Rupha Ramani on CSK’s Instagram Live session, the batsman said Suresh Raina looked in really good shape and it was unfortunate that IPL had to be postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.
Rayudu called Raina a star cricketer and opined that he did not 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.”
Rayudu added that he had a good time training with Raina in the CSK training camp and the experience was quite nostalgic for him as he has known Raina since he was 16.
Ambati Rayudu was also asked about the difference in captaincy of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. The Hyderabad-batsman said Rohit Sharma has learnt about captaincy from MS Dhoni.
“Dhoni has been captain for all of us including MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli and so what ever Rohit is becoming is because of MS Dhoni. He has learnt 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,” Rayudu said.
Ambati Rayudu also reflected on the difference in the set-up of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He said there were lots of differences and he feels more comfortable at CSK. He added that CSK will be his favourite team even after he retires from cricket.
“At CSK it’s pretty calm, they have lot more faith in players ability, while MI is more ‘play-your-role’ kind of a set up.”
Rayudu also talked highly of CSK fanbase and said even practice sessions witness 10,000 fans at the stadium. He said that such fanbase is only common with football teams.
“CSK fans are emotional like how south Indians are, they have knowledge. Even when playing for India we don’t see such fan base,” Ambati Rayudu concluded.
