Ambati Rayudu hints at making comeback to ODI cricket
Ambati Rayudu hints at making comeback to ODI cricket
Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who recently announced his retirement has hinted at making a comeback in ODI cricket. Rayudu had come under spotlight, at the time he declared his retirement from international cricket while the ICC World Cup was happening in England. Rayudu was on his way to becoming India’s number four batsman at the World Cup.
“Of course, who will say no to India?” Ambati Rayudu answered on being asked if he was open to selection to the national side.
In a conversation with Sportstar on the sidelines of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association one day league match between Grand Slam CC and Jolly Rovers for the V.A. Parthasarathy Trophy in Chennai, Ambati Rayudu stated that decision to retire was not an emotional one, but accepted that not being in the World Cup squad was a bit dismaying after having worked hard.
“Not really an emotional decision. No. I mean I had worked a lot for the World Cup for four to five years. Obviously, you will be a bit disappointed. But I had thought maybe it was time, not because it was rejection or emotion, but you work towards something and maybe then you want something else," said Rayudu.
“I had some time to think about this, so thought might as well come and play some cricket,” added Rayudu, who played 55 ODIs for India, amassing 1694 runs at an average of 47.05.
Ambati Rayudu also went on to say that Channai Super Kings, the IPL team he plays for , has been very supportive right through. “I am very happy that CSK has always been very supportive. I would be really happy to prepare well for the IPL and represent CSK. Definitely, I would be playing the IPL,” he stated.
Ambati Rayudu also went on to say that he is anxious to make a comback to ODI cricket as soon as possible.
“I haven’t thought much but I would prepare well to come back to white-ball cricket as soon as possible. I love the game, obviously. See ambition and targets are one thing but it still is the game I love. It is about playing cricket. So, I thought why not take it forward? Nothing like a target or anything. But my first priority would be to get fully fit. I have not played cricket for a while now and it would take me maybe a month and a half to get fully fit.”