Suresh Raina has admitted he felt hurt after being dropped from the Indian team despite performing well, but now is happy to be back for the T20 series in South Africa.

Suresh Raina has admitted he felt hurt after being dropped from the Indian team despite performing well, but now is happy to be back for the T20 series in South Africa.

"I was hurt on getting dropped even after performing well. But now I have cleared the Yo-Yo test and feeling so strong. During all these months of hard training, the desire to play for India again grew only so much stronger," Raina told Aaj Tak, according to a PTI report.

"I won't leave it here. I have to play for India as long as possible. I have to play the 2019 World Cup because I know I have done well in England. There is still a lot left in me and I am extremely confident of doing well in these three games in South Africa," he added.

Raina, who has been around international cricket for a decade, says he is feeling as if he is starting all over again. "Yes, I am 31 but, as they say it, age is just a number. The other day when my match clothing arrived, I had the same feeling like I got before making my India debut. It is so special," he expressed.

--By A Cricket Correspondent