IPL 2018: I Was Ready to Open the Innings, Says Centurion Ambati Rayudu

Right-hand batsman Ambati Rayudu carried on his purple patch and scored a scintillating hundred against Sunrisers table-toppers Hyderabad (SRH) in Pune on Sunday (May 13) evening. The win ensured a playoff berth for the yellow brigade, unless the math takes a beating. And he was equally supported by his opening partner Shane Watson.

Earlier in the day, Shikhar Dhawan scored back to back fifties to provide Hyderabad a solid platform. The southpaw made 79 off 49 balls, courtesy of three sixes and ten fours.

Skipper Kane Williamson too, joined him in the battle and made a classy 51 off 39 balls. A late 21 off 11 balls from Deepak Hooda took them to 179 for four in their 20 overs.

Chasing 180, the openers put on a 134-run stand for the first wicket. Watson departed for 57 but the damage was done. Suresh Raina failed to fire and he was cheaply sent back for just two. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni stayed unbeaten on 20 – to see his side win the game in style.

Rayudu has been playing the role of a floater for Chennai. He has done well at every slot and never looked uncomfortable. It was just a matter of time before he scored the magical three-figure score while donning the yellow jersey.

Post the game, the 32-year-old Ambati Rayudu said they (opening batsmen) enjoyed their time in the middle and the fact that Watson has been a great help for him.

Rayudu- The Floater:

“It’s a good position to bat (opening) in T20s. I am enjoying it right now. There’s no secret. We are backing ourselves and communicating very well (about batting with Watson). He has been of great help to me. I was ready to open. If you are good at 4-day cricket, you can bat at any position,” jubilant Rayudu said during the presentation in Pune.

“He was also delighted to be back in the Indian dressing room for the series against England. “I am really happy to be back in the Indian team, hopefully, I will do well there.” Rayudu concluded.