Ambati Rayudu Set To Play For Baroda Next Season; Likely To Replace Deepak Hooda - Reports

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu has initiated talks with the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) in order to play for them from the next season, as per reports in The Indian Express.

Rayudu is part of the CSK franchise in the ongoing IPL 2022 season and their campaign has come to an end. He is now looking to enter the domestic arena with Baroda, the team he played for four seasons (2011-2016) in the early stages of his career.

“Baroda has decided to rope him in as he has expressed his willingness to play for the team. The team is already looking for Deepak Hooda’s replacement,” a BCA official said.

Hooda had moved his base to Rajasthan after a dispute with the captain, Krunal Pandya. Rayudu has previously played for Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, and Vidharbha before returning to Hyderabad in the 2017-18 season. He spent one season there before focusing on the IPL solely.

Ambati Rayudu had earlier deleted a tweet saying he had retired

Ahead of CSK’s final two games of the season, Rayudu wrote on his social media account that he will be hanging up his boots and retiring from the IPL. However, moments later, he deleted the tweet.

“I am happy to announce that this will be my last IPL. I have had a wonderful time playing it and being a part of 2 great teams for 13 years. Would love to sincerely thank Mumbai Indians and CSK for the wonderful journey,” Rayudu had written.

CSK CEO had also issued clarification claiming that Rayudu will continue to play and the tweet was perhaps a momentary lapse. The 37-year-old was dropped from CSK’s playing XI in the next game before making an appearance in their season’s final match.

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