Australia vs India: Ambati Rayudu ready to bat at any position in ODIs

Ambati Rayudu is deemed by many to be the perpetual answer to India’s middle-order conundrum. Since the exclusion of the more reliable Yuvraj Singh, a lot of batsmen were tried at No. 4. Courtesy of outstanding performances in the 2018 IPL season, the 33-year-old got the opportunity to play for his national team once again.

The right-hander hasn’t been an outright match-winner since his return to the Indian team but he has certainly played the anchor role well and added solidity to the vulnerable middle order of the Virat Kohli-led team. Team India is all set to play a 3-match ODI series against Australia after the completion of the Test series.

With not many days left for the first 50-over encounter at Sydney, the Guntur-born, during the launch of the Junior Super Kings inter-school T20 championship 2018, opened up on the preparations leading to the upcoming series and to the extremely prestigious World Cup as well as on his role in the star-studded Indian team.

I am not thinking too far beyond

Rayudu had decided to quit Ranji Trophy cricket so as to concentrate more on playing ODIs and IPL. The decision ended up surprising many. Referring to the same, the Chennai Super Kings star said that he had to manage his schedule better considering that he is not young anymore.

“The only thought process was to preserve my body as far as possible. I am 33. I have had surgery to my knee in the past. I really wanted to make efficient use of my body in terms of the amount of cricket I play,” Rayudu said.

As far as lack of game time in recent times is concerned, the classy right-hander threw light on the importance of match practice leading to the ODI series against Australia and then New Zealand. “Definitely match practice is important. Anyway, red ball cricket and white ball cricket, there is a huge amount of difference. You can compensate by practicing and playing other games,” he added.

Talking about his role in the Indian team, the former Hyderabad player felt that he is not concerned about his batting position as he would be happy to contribute to the team however the team demands.

“I am basically not looking at any number as such. I am preparing for the series coming up in Australia. I am not really thinking too far beyond. As far as my training is concerned, I just look at my game and look at where I can improve and go about it,” Rayudu signed off.

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