Would love to play for CSK again: Ambati Rayudu

Hyderabad: Hyderabad cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been a force to reckon with in the Indian Premier League so far. He is one of the few Indian players who has seen constant success. Having played with Mumbai Indians from 2010 to 2018 and with Chennai Super Kings from 2018 to 2021, Rayudu has five IPL and […]

Hyderabad: Hyderabad cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been a force to reckon with in the Indian Premier League so far. He is one of the few Indian players who has seen constant success.

Having played with Mumbai Indians from 2010 to 2018 and with Chennai Super Kings from 2018 to 2021, Rayudu has five IPL and two Champions League trophies to his name. With the defending champions CSK retaining skipper MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali, the veteran cricketer Rayudu returns to the auction pool. The 36-year-old is excited ahead of the mega auctions scheduled next month.

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Rayudu revealed that he would love to return to the Dhoni-led side. “I am definitely looking forward to the auctions. Though I am not retained, I would love to play for CSK again.” Speaking about his career so far, Rayudu said he had an amazing journey. “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.”

Rayudu is a versatile player who can play anywhere in the batting order. He is also one of the most successful Indian cricketers in scoring over 3,900 runs in 175 IPL matches with over 35 30+ scores, 21 half-centuries and a century.

The man of few words is ready to play any role given to him by the team management. “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,” asserts the former India Under-19 captain.

Having ruled himself out of contention for a place in Team India, what keeps this dashing batter going? “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.”

Rayudu also revealed that he never felt the pressure to perform. “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.

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