Ambati Rayudu finds peace at the top for CSK
PUNE: Ambati Rayudu steps out to Mitchell Mcclenaghan and dispatches him into the sightscreen. It’s just the third ball of the innings but that doesn’t matter to the 32-year-old Chennai Super Kings batsman who is in the form of his life.
Such shots have become part of Rayudu’s repertoire this season, and have quickly won over Chennai Super Kings supporters.
A look at his numbers this campaign suggests he is enjoying the best season in IPL since his debut in 2010. He’s also on the verge of eclipsing his 2011 tally of 395 runs, having scored 329 runs in just seven matches this season.
Rayudu 2.0 looks at peace with himself, more focused and more powerful than ever before. He has already hit more sixes than his last two seasons combined, which shows how he has altered his game.
In the past seasons, Ruyudu would throw his wicket away if things didn’t go his way but this time around he has shown maturity to bide his time and pick the right deliveries to get going again.
After consistent performances in IPL saw him break into the India side, Ruyudu lost his way last season, and featured in only five matches for Mumbai Indians.
Chennai picked him in the player auction and instilled confidence and he hasn’t disappointed. Known to be hot-headed, Rayudu this season has put his head down and gone about his business.
His initial role in the team was that of a floater, similar to what he did for Mumbai. But given the chance to open, he has grabbed it, sealing his place at the top, especially with a 82 against Royal Challengers last Wednesday.
Rayudu’s 101-run partnership with skipper MS Dhoni helped CSK pull off a five-wicket win with two balls to spare at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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He has the backing of team to play aggressively. He is now experiencing how good he can be. His power game has gone unnoticed, but we have valued it. STEPHEN FLEMING, CSK coach on Rayudu
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