Ambati Rayudu, on Saturday, retired from first-class cricket to focus on shorter formats, the Hyderabad Cricket Association confirmed.
The release from the state association makes it clear that Rayudu would continue to ply his trade in international and domestic matches of shorter formats, the One-dayers and T20s.
In a letter to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), Rayudu wrote: “I will continue to play international and domestic matches of the shorter version. And, I take this opportunity to thank the BCCI, HCA, Baroda Cricket Association and also Vidarbha Cricket Association for giving me the opportunities over the years.
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“It has always been an honour to play for Hyderabad and I can never forget the kind of support I got from all those here, including my fellow players, coaches and the officials. And especially, the way I was welcomed back into the BCCI fold after the stint in the rebel ICL,” he added.
The development comes just days after Rayudu made a comeback to India’s ODI team.
The right-handed batsman earned the recall after starring for champions Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Rayudu had the best IPL with the bat, as he amassed 602 runs at a strike rate of 149.75 including one century. He was included in the team for the ODI series in England. However, he was later dropped from the side after he failed the yo-yo test.
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He finally returned to the team during the Asia Cup and made a huge impression. In tough playing conditions of UAE, Rayudu scored 165 runs in six games with a top score of 60.
He recently impressed against Windies, finishing the series with 217 runs at an average of over 62. It included a stunning century in the fourth ODI as well as a fifty.
Rayudu has been slotted at No. 4 in the ODI batting line-up by the Indian team management in preparation for the 2019 World cup. And so far, he has fully justified the faith shown in him.