Chennai: Ambati Rayudu who recently announced retirement from the first-class cricket in a bid to focus on white ball game said the decision was to prolong his limited-overs career.
“I am 33 and I have to preserve my body as much as possible. I also had a knee injury in the past. I want to make efficient use of my body in terms of the amount of cricket I play in a year,” said Rayudu who was here to attend a promotional event.
“The match practice is important but there is a huge difference between the way shape out for red ball and white ball cricket. I can compensate by practice and playing other games,” added Rayudu.
The Hyderabad batsman is firmly in the mix for next year’s ICC 50-over World Cup to be held in England on the back of his impressive comeback in the Asia Cup and the series against West Indies at home. Skipper Virat Kohli himself said Rayudu is the right person for the No.4 slot.
Rayudu said he is willing to bat at any position. “I am not looking at any number as such. I am just preparing for the Australia series. I will definitely look to improve my game,” he added.
Rayudu emerged as the fourth highest run-getter in IPL-11 with 602 runs to play a key role in CSK’s stunning triumph. The diminutive strokemaker played the role of a floater which subsequently helped him return to India ODI side. “MS Dhoni trusted me a lot and I always wanted to repay his faith. I also worked on my game. I am just glad that I could make the most of my opportunities. Playing aggressively with confidence is an entirely different thing,” he added.
