Ambati Rayudu hints at breaking retirement, making comeback to white-ball cricket
Mumbai: Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu has hinted at making a comeback in white-ball cricket. Rayudu had grabbed the headlines when he had announced his retirement from international cricket while the World Cup was underway in England. The right-handed batsman was aspiring to be India’s number four at the World Cup.
“Of course, who will say no to India?” the 33-year old replied on being asked if he was open to selection to the national side.
Speaking to Sportstar on the sidelines of a Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) one-day league match between Grand Slam CC and Jolly Rovers for the V. A. Parthasarathy Trophy in Chennai, the 33-year-old said the decision to retire wasn’t an emotional one, but accepted the World Cup snub was a bit disheartening after having worked so hard for the spot.
“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.
Rayudu also accepted that Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the IPL franchise he plays for, has been very supportive throughout. He said, “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.”
Rayudu also said that he is eager to make a comeback to white-ball 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.”
