Ambati Rayudu is one of the few Indian players who has experienced constant success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having been part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchises.
Rayudu plied his trade for MI from 2010 to 2018 while he represented CSK from 2018 to 2021, winning a total of five IPL trophies and two Champions League titles.
Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Super retained four players and Rayudu’s name didn’t feature in it. CSK retained skipper MS Dhoni, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali.
With the 36-year-old Rayudu returning to the auction pool, he is hoping to be picked by CSK again.
“I am definitely looking forward to the auctions. Though I am not retained, I would love to play for CSK again,” Rayudu told Telangana Today.
“Overall, it has been a very successful journey. I only missed the play-offs once in my IPL career in 2020. Even when I was playing for Mumbai, we qualified for knockouts every year,” he further added.
In 175 IPL matches, Ambati Rayudu has amassed 3916 runs at a strike rate of 127.47 with one hundred and 21 half-centuries. He is counted among the most versatile players in the league as he can bat at any position.
“Basically my role rotates around other batters in the team. If there is no No.3, 4, 5, or any batting number, I would do that. I am very flexible and I have been playing in all these positions. Either in Mumbai or Chennai, I was not confined to one batting position. And having played so many T20 games, I understand the importance of performing under pressure and win games for the team. That is what matters,” Rayudu said.
Having ruled himself out of the selection reckoning in the national side, Rayudu is now looking to enjoy the remainder of his professional cricket career.
“I have played a lot of cricket but I am always motivated. Fitness wise, I am feeling very strong. It is the hunger for more success that keeps me going. I want more IPL titles. I won five IPL and two Champions Leagues trophies. Hopefully by the time I end my career, I would love to win two or more IPL trophies.”
“There is no pressure on me as such as I have already put myself out of contention for Team India. My motive is to do well and win matches for my side. I never felt any competition for a spot in the team. I am more focused on my performance. I am always trying to better myself. I have been playing for over 11 years and doing well. Ideally speaking, if you are fit, age should not matter. And you can’t buy experience anywhere. Experience is the key in the T20 format when you are playing under pressure,” he said.
