IPL 2018: Rayudu Excited to Join CSK But Not Looking at National Comeback

Ambati Rayudu was one of the few players in the history of IPL to play for just one franchise, but now, he is all set for a stint with Chennai Super Kings.

The India batsman will play under the former national captain, MS Dhoni.

Rayudu is excited to join Chennai Super Kings but is not looking at a national comeback through IPL,

“Coming to CSK and playing for such a champion side is really exciting. We have a great set up. Getting into the IPL, I would like to be at my best in terms of my performances, and hopefully, it contributes to the team’s win,” he told TOI.

“I’m not really looking at the number or slot. Once the camp starts and things get in order, we will start looking at roles. I am not looking (or thinking) about a national comeback. I had a good domestic season for Hyderabad. I’m happy to be part of CSK and looking forward to doing well,” Rayudu added.

Rayudu can be called as a late entrant in the Indian team. He was in contention to be selected in the Indian team for 2003 World Cup, but seniors got the preference.

Later, some controversies and his ties with ICL put him in the back seat. He only received his maiden call-up for Zimbabwe tour in 2013 and made his debut there.

Rayudu has never been part of the team on a regular basis. The form is not an issue with him, but he has been overlooked. In 34 ODIs, where he had batted 30 times, he had scored 1055 runs at a healthy average of 50.23

In the practice game against England in 2017, it was Rayudu who shone with a century.

However, all the limelight was on Dhoni, as it was the last time he was leading India A. The upcoming season is a way for the experienced player to do well and put his case for the 2019 World Cup.

Since Indian team is yet to ink on number four position, the experience of Rayudu can always come handy. The Hyderabad captain has experience of playing 114 IPL games. He has scored 2416 runs at an average of 27.14 in IPL.

He was one of the five players to be retained by Mumbai Indians before 2014 IPL auction. Also, an injury saw him missing a major part of IPL 2018.

In this year’s auction, CSK went for experienced players and snared Rayudu for an amount of Rs 2.20 Crore.

He is expected to be in the playing XI right from the start of the tournament.

Here is the news feed –

Mitchell Santner ruled out of IPL 2018

Nepal granted ODI status