IPL 2023: Chennai Super Kings Best XI among retained players

4. Ambati Rayudu

The veteran Ambati Rayudu is arguably the pillar of Chennai’s batting order. Over the years, the 37-year-old has proved his class in Chennai colours and is irreplaceable in their batting unit. Be it in the role of an anchor or smasher, Rayudu has the ability to swiftly shift gears in the gentleman’s game.

In 2022, Rayudu couldn’t live up to his potential but has played certain match-winning knocks for Chennai before. In 13 matches, he scored 274 runs at a strike rate of 122.32. Overall, in the history of the marquee tournament, Rayudu has played 188 matches and scored 4190 runs, which eventually proves the kind of damage he can cause.

However, like many of Chennai’s top-order batters, Rayudu’s form is a bit concerning. Batting at number four for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Rayudu managed to score 102 runs in four matches. In T20s, his numbers further dipped with just 107 runs from six matches.