(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu recently shared insights into his cricket journey, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
During a podcast with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Rayudu highlighted his versatility as a player, expressing pride in his ability to adapt to various batting positions based on the team’s requirements.
“I would remember myself as being very flexible in a team environment. I would bat open as well as in the middle order and lower middle order. That is one area where I take a lot of pride in, contributing to the team, and I cherish that aspect a lot in my career,” said Rayudu as quoted.
His IPL career began with Mumbai Indians in 2010, and he played for them for eight years until 2017. However, in 2018, Rayudu was picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the auction for INR 2.2 crore, becoming an integral part of the MS Dhoni-led team.
“Of course, I played eight years for them. I started my IPL career with Mumbai. It was a great journey, and we won three IPLs and two Champions League trophies. We had great times,” he added.
Transitioning from one formidable team to another, Rayudu found himself donning the iconic yellow jersey of CSK.
Reflecting on this shift, he noted, “Going to CSK was even more special, but it was very weird to sit in another dressing room, put on yellow pads instead of blue, and face Mumbai, who was practicing just two wickets away from me. It was like a whole flashback going on in my head, recalling what we used to do every day. From then on, yeah, I got used to being in CSK.”
Despite the shift, Rayudu seamlessly adapted to CSK, becoming a key player under the leadership of Dhoni. Comparing his performances, Rayudu maintained consistency for both teams. For MI, he scored 2416 runs in 107 innings with an average of 27.15 and a strike-rate of 126.16. Meanwhile, playing for CSK, he amassed 1932 runs in 80 innings with an average of 29.72 and a strike-rate of 129.32.