Formalities cleared for Ambati Rayudu to play for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy

Ambati Rayudu, who is set to play for his home side Hyderabad in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season has got all the formalities cleared up. T Shesh Narayan, secretary of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) confirmed the news. Concluding an erratic but triumphant IPL season, the Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper looks upbeat on his homecoming. Rayudu has been plagued by injuries and will be looking to find his form back in the domestic season.

He left Hyderabad in 2011 to play for Baroda and then went on to represent Vidarbha. Rayudu’s performance at the domestic level has been exemplary. The right-hander is perfectly equipped to be a part of the Indian squad but hasn’t found his rhythm in the International circuit whatsoever. He produced some brilliant knocks for the Rest of India and West Zone in the Irani Cup and Deodhar Trophy, respectively. The wicketkeeper-batsman averaged at 45 across six seasons with Baroda.

Rayudu agreed to play for Hyderabad

According to Telangana Today, T Shesh Narayan said in a statement, “He has agreed to play for Hyderabad this season. The no-objection certificate from the BCCI is a mere formality.’’

Also, it has been confirmed that there will be 17 teams divided into two groups of eight and nine in the three-day A-Division tournament. Emails have been sent to all clubs with the regulations. Narayan further added, “There will be no pay and play system in which clubs in the last few seasons made good money. We will have anti-corruption checks and any club found guilty of taking money from players would be banned for six years.”

Rayudu had a long wait before he made to the Indian team owing to his participation in the rebel Indian Cricket League. He eventually made his international debut in July 2013, against Zimbabwe at the age of 27. And he did play a few noteworthy knocks in the chances that he got but has been limited to sporadic appearances.

The 31-year-old  has also failed to maintain a decent relationship with his coaches at the domestic level and hence the migrations. Nevertheless, Rayudu has matured as a cricketer over the years and would look to carry on performing consistently in the domestic circuit for Hyderabad.