They were inseparable during their eight seasons for the Chennai Super Kings but Suresh Raina will now be plotting Mahendra Singh Dhoni's downfall when Team Rajkot will face Team Pune in the 9th edition of IPl.
Asked about his feelings, Raina said they would be competitive but at the same time would not lack "sportsman spirit" when pitted against his former IPl captain.
For the dashing left-hander, familiarity with Rajkot conditions will be an asset.
"I am very much familiar with the condition of Rajkot as I have played many matches in junior category like U-16 and U-19," the 29-year-old left-handed batsman told reporters here.
When asked about his India and CSK teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who has also been picked up by Rajkot, Raina said,"Jadeja is a local boy. Both of us are familiar with conditions here and we will use this to our advantage".
Raina likely to lead
After being the first pick of the Intex owned Rajkot team, India's limited overs specialist Suresh Raina in all likelihood will be the favourite to lead the new IPl franchise.
Raina has been bought through the draft system by Rajkot franchise for a hefty `12.5 crore and he looks like the man for the top job.
Not only has Raina earlier led India sporadically in the limited overs matches in Mahendra Singh Dhoni's absence but has also led their previous franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at times.
"Excited to play for the beautiful vibrant city- Rajkot in @IPl. looking forward to have new teammates and support from the people of Gujarat," Raina tweeted immediately after draft results were announced.
While Pune team have a straight forward choice of Dhoni being the leader, the Rajkot franchise will certainly look at Raina who has by far been the most prolific player in the eight seasons of IPl.
While local boy Ravindra Jadeja is there in the team but he has never been touted as a captaincy material. The only other contender for the top job could be New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, who had led KKR in the season 2 of the IPl.
However owners over years have looked mainly at top Indian players as leaders as it also enhances their brand.