There is no doubt about the fact that Chennai Super Kings batsman Ambati Rayudu has been in the form of his life.
In the past, MS Dhoni had changed the career of Rohit Sharma after elevating him as an opener of India’s limited-overs team. Currently, he is one of the best openers in limited-overs cricket. In the ongoing season of IPL, Rayudu has also been quite spectacular. He has been given an opportunity to open the innings with Shane Watson, and he has grabbed them with both hands.
Despite his prowess at the start, Rayudu also got demoted in the batting order. However, it hasn’t had any bearing on his performance. He has performed quite impressively even in the middle order. Rayudu has looked in quite a superb touch all through the tournament. He has done about his job in an unfazed manner which has been a real plus for Chennai.
We must keep this in account that Rayudu has been in the circuit for several years. Never did we see him performing so consistently for his previous franchise, Mumbai Indians. He is a capable batsman, but for CSK, he has been an asset. It is the best we have seen Rayudu bat in the competition so far. He has played conventional shots and even in crunch situations has delivered the job for Chennai.
Maiden Century in IPL 2018 and national comeback
He scored his maiden century of the tournament against a star-studded Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling line-up.
It was some delicate touch by the stylish batsmen added with some brute force. He made world-class bowlers look ordinary. One aspect which has been quite a starling in Rayudu has been his six hitting abilities.
In the tournament so far, Rayudu has smashed several sixes with utmost ease. His extra cover sixes have been quite sensational. The consistent performances have also allowed Dhoni to play an extra batsman in the team. He was the holder of the orange cap for a brief while and has been in the top five list.
His consistent performances have also brought him back in the Indian squad for the T20I series in Ireland and England.
India need a reliable No 4
The Men in Blue will play Ireland in a two-match T20I series followed by a three-match series against England. Rayudu will thank his consistent performances in the tournament for a national return. Meanwhile, it must be noted India has been searching for a reliable number four batsman ever since Yuvraj Singh’s dip in form.
His CSK teammate, Suresh Raina has performed exceedingly well and might also push for a return in the ODI format. However, Rayudu’s solidity might well be India’s option, as they prepare for the World Cup next year scheduled in England. Rayudu had played in England in the past and boast of a pretty impressive record.
Rayudu has played a handful of ODI’s for India. He has scored more than 1,000 runs at an impressive average of 50. However, due to the competition in the side, Rayudu hasn’t been given a more extended run in the national team. However, his current form might be the tonic which was needed for his return.
A problem in the middle order for the Men in Blue
More than that, India need a solid number four batsman who can manoeuvre the innings in the middle overs. With Rayudu’s new acquired abilities to hit the big shots on a consistent basis, he will be a contender for the spot.
Rayudu has scored 585 runs in the tournament at an impressive average of 48 and a staggering strike rate of 154.35.
Given his prowess, Rayudu’s inclusion in the Indian team might well be a sensible move. If he performs in England, Rayudu will be in contention for a World Cup berth next year.
His career in a nutshell
The veteran cricketer has been around for several years now. He joined the rebel Indian Cricket League in 2007 and got barred from taking part in any other tournaments.
However, after a couple of years, he was given the license to play in the IPL. The Mumbai Indians bought him and played quite well in the first few seasons.
His domestic performances to go with IPL allowed him to make his national debut in 2013 against Zimbabwe. Rayudu has also smashed a couple of centuries and six half-centuries in his international career so far.