Asia Cup 2018: MS Dhoni Has Helped Me in Recovering this Season - Ambati Rayudu

India’s batsman Ambati Rayudu has revealed the Man behind his success and it is none other than- MS Dhoni. It has been a remarkable season for the Hyderabad batsman and Dhoni has shown him the light on the path he should travel. In fact, Rayudu was magnificent in the Indian Premier League for the Chennai Super Kings as he amassed 602 runs to be the fourth-highest run-getter. Again MS Dhoni was there for him as he guided him through.

Meanwhile, Rayudu was also picked for the limited overs series against England. However, he was shown the exit doors as he could not clear the Yo-Yo Test.

Nevertheless, quitting has never been an option for Rayudu as he worked hard on his fitness to come up roses in the Fitness Test. Subsequently, the in-form right-hander was picked for the Asia Cup squad.

Dhoni is the go-to man for everybody.

In absence of Virat Kohli, the players will turn their heads towards MS Dhoni.

“Obviously he (Virat) is a big miss and loss to the team. However, we still have enough quality in the team to go out and win. He (Dhoni) has been India’s captain and always been the go-to man for everybody in the team,” Rayudu said at a media conference on Saturday.

“He (Dhoni) has helped me a lot in terms of how I recovered this season.”

Haven’t thought about the batting position.

Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu is expected to bat in the middle order if he gets his opportunity in the playing XI. However, Rayudu hasn’t thought about any competition for the available spot.

“To be very honest, (I) haven’t thought about it (middle-order) or looked at it as a competition. It’s just an opportunity to express myself and (I) don’t want to put more pressure to my game by thinking about these,” he said.

On the other hand, India will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 18 against Hong Kong. Subsequently, they will square off with arch-rivals Pakistan on the next day. However, Rayudu believes playing back to back matches will not be a disadvantage.

“I don’t think it will be a disadvantage. It will be definitely tough and I’m sure we will do best possible things to recover and go out fresh to play the next game.”

Disappointing to miss out on England tour.

Rayudu said it was disappointing to miss the England tour after he could not pass the Yo-Yo Test. However, he is looking forward to fresh opportunities in the Asia Cup.

“Obviously it was frustrating to miss out on the England tour. But I’m happy that I can come back and give the test and get picked to play in the Asia Cup. This year I played well in the IPL. The main thing is that I feel the age doesn’t matter as long as you are fit.”

Ambati Rayudu will have a point to prove in the Asia Cup as he would look to make the most of his chance.