Daily Archives: November 9, 2014

He’s back to where he belongs

Ambati Rayudu after completing his century during the 2nd ODI cricket match against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Thursday. - Photo: PTI
Ambati Rayudu after completing his century during the 2nd ODI cricket match against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Thursday. – Photo: PTI

Ambati Rayudu has had a bumpy ride in cricket, but 12 years after his heroics in the under-19 made him the next big thing in Indian cricket, he is here to stay. For someone who often gave the impression that he lacked the discipline required for the big league, Rayudu has come a long way.

When he walks on to the field for the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka here on Sunday, Ambati Rayudu will have a hearty laugh at how much life has changed over the past 12 years.

From being almost a forgotten batting talent till a few years ago, to being the toast of the nation on Thursday – the right-handed batsman notched up his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka in his 21st match, for which he was adjudged ‘player of the match’ – the 29-year-old has seen it all.

Arguably the most gifted batsman from the ‘City of Pearls’ after the elegant V.V.S. Laxman, Rayudu has had a chequered career and is now making a late impression on critics.

For someone who often gave the impression that he lacked the discipline required for the big league, Rayudu has come a long way.

Shifting base to Baroda to play Ranji Trophy in 2010 may have been one foot forward, but joining the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he says, was the defining phase.

The change in attitude and the hunger for success were two striking features that set apart this phase from the past. And he is clearly basking in all glory for all the hard work put in with the Mumbai outfit.

It was in 2002 when Rayudu had that amazing run in England with the India under-19 team. Many predicted that he would don the India colours almost immediately.

But that it took almost a decade for him to break into the Indian team was perhaps a reflection of how an indifferent State Association can mar an original genius.

A combination of Rayudu’s inability to stay away from avoidable aspects in a cricketer’s career and the way many ‘enjoyed’ watching his career almost drift away during his early years, was a forgetful chapter in his career.

Now, at the peak of a dream run, and almost assured of a berth in the Indian World Cup team – he is a brilliant fielder too – Rayudu can only look one way.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – November 08th, 2014