Hyderabad skipper Ambati Rayudu has opted to take a break from the game for the next few weeks, which will see him miss much of the Ranji Trophy season.

Having been overlooked from India’s World Cup 2019, Rayudu announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in July. However, he took a U-turn and staged a comeback ahead of the domestic season and was named Hyderabad’s captain for the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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Under his leadership, Hyderabad finished seventh overall in Group A & B with 18 points (4 wins, 3 losses, 1 NR) in Vijay Hazare Trophy while they missed out on a spot in the Super League round in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy due to poor net run-rate.

Rayudu also did a decent job with the bat. With 233 runs to his name, he finished the Vijay Hazare Trophy as Hyderabad’s second highest run-getter whereas his runs tally in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy read 174.

No wonder, Rayudu’s decision to pull-out from four-day games has left people surprised.

"After playing two tournaments, I needed a break. Hence, I have decided to skip the four-day matches. It is purely a personal decision and nothing should be read into it," Rayudu told TOI on Friday (November 22).

"I am still not sure how long the break will be. But if the team has a crisis and needs me, I will be available. Right now, I feel it is important that I take some rest. I am confident that the players will rise to the occasion and give a good account of themselves in the longer format of the game too," he said.

"Officially we haven't received any letter from Rayudu. So, I cannot really comment on it," said secretary R Vijayanand.

However, sources in the association told TOI that there is more to the issue than what is being cited. It is understood that 'too much of interference' in the team composition could be a reason for the Rayudu’s 'break' from the game.

(Inputs from TOI)