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Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu is making every effort to change the culture of Hyderabad cricket, and his hard work is beginning to show results. Since taking charge as Director of Cricket Operations at the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Ambati Rayudu has been closely involved in everything, from improving pitches to creating better opportunities for young players.
His hard work has already started showing results, with Hyderabad winning three matches and playing out one draw in the first phase of the Ranji Trophy season. The team currently sits at the top of Elite Group B with 20 points.
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Ambati Rayudu shares big plan to transform Hyderabad's youngsters
However, Ambati Rayudu believes that the real success will come from building a strong system rather than just winning matches. Rayudu said, as quoted by Sportstar, “I wouldn't read too much into the results as of now, but I'm very happy with the way the systems are set. " Most importantly, the boys are very confident and glad there is something to look forward to.”
One of Rayudu's first big steps was to increase the number of matches for age-group teams. Hyderabad's young cricketers are now getting more playing opportunities, with nearly 1,000 match days planned this season. He wants players to remain involved in the game throughout the year.
Explaining his plan, Rayudu said, “When they wake up, if they don't have a game, they need to be worried: What am I going to do today? We wanted to get that feeling back.”
Ambati Rayudu brings Wasim Jaffer on board, introduces selection reforms at HCA
The arrival of former India batter Wasim Jaffer as a mentor has also helped improve the cricketing environment. HCA has introduced open trials at Gymkhana Ground, giving talented players from different districts an opportunity to compete for a place in the state team.
Rayudu has also focused on making team selections more transparent. He wanted selectors who could take independent decisions instead of simply agreeing with everyone. Every selection and omission is now recorded through signed documents, explaining the reasons behind each decision.
Talking about the selection process, Rayudu said, “The first point on our agenda while picking selectors was: Do they have the integrity required? We don't want them to be yes-men. They are quite adamant and stubborn in their decision-making as well, and that is a welcome sign.”
He also explained that the written records would help the HCA avoid selection mistakes and review decisions whenever required. Comparing the system with the Decision Review System, the former CSK batter said, “It's just like a Decision Review System (DRS), which helps us avoid blunders. If something comes up in the future, there is always documentation.”
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Ambati Rayudu brings his own tractor to fix Hyderabad's pitch problems
Ambati Rayudu said that improving the quality of pitches at Gymkhana Ground was another major challenge for him. Hyderabad's flat pitches have often been a concern, and Rayudu wanted to prepare better surfaces that could offer something to both batters and bowlers.
However, the work was not easy. Rayudu faced delays in funding, problems with tenders, a shortage of labor, and difficulties in bringing equipment to the ground during the rainy season. But he refused to let these problems stop the project.
In one of the most interesting parts of his journey, Rayudu revealed that he brought his own tractor and even sent a worker from his farm to help prepare the ground at Gymkhana Ground.
Recalling the challenges, the Director of Cricket said, “There were no tractors that were coming into the city, among other issues. So I brought my own tractor and the person who works on my farm. He is the one who has done all the banks that you see in Gymkhana now.”
Three types of soil used to transform Gymkhana Ground
The selection of soil was also done carefully, with Rayudu and head curator Mukesh Kumar visiting nearby districts early in the morning. Three types of soil have been used for the pitches, including a natural mixture of red and black soil from the Vikarabad region.
A separate black soil pitch has also been prepared to offer more assistance to fast bowlers. Rayudu explained, “We've put in three types of soil. Even the mixed soil used is a natural mix. The soil near Vikarabad naturally gets mixed with red and black, so that is one of the soils that we picked up. There's also a black soil pitch, which is a proper seaming track.”
Rayudu wants pitches that provide a fair contest between bat and ball. He believes a good domestic pitch should allow teams to bat for around 90 overs while keeping all four innings competitive. He does not want the toss to become the biggest factor in deciding a match.
Despite the positive changes, he faced massive criticism. The former batter said, “What is the worst thing that can happen? They would have all signed a petition to remove us! But by the time that happens, we would have already done a lot of good work.”
Ambati Rayudu ready to sacrifice one year to transform Hyderabad Cricket
Ambati Rayudu has set himself a target of making Hyderabad one of India's top five cricket associations, both in administration and on the field.
He has also credited the support of the Single Member Committee, headed by retired Justice P. Naveen Rao, HCA secretary Jeevan Reddy, Wasim Jaffer, Mukesh Kumar, and other Cricket Operations Committee members, for the progress so far.
Rayudu signed off by saying, “I told myself that I'll give everything to Hyderabad cricket for a year. I wanted to sacrifice a year for Hyderabad, which has done so much for me in terms of my cricketing career. Beyond this, I want to set up systems and protocols.”
