"I really do not have a short temper," says an overwhelmed Ambati Rayudu

Eden Gardens on Saturday evening witnessed two of the most successful Indian Premier League (IPL) teams go head to head in a mouth-watering encounter. While away team Mumbai Indians had already confirmed their place among the Top 2 in the points table, the home team Kolkata Knight Riders desperately were in need of a win to be in the top 2 so as to get two opportunities to play in the final. But that was not as Mumbai Indians’ ‘bunny’ Kolkata Knight Riders once again found it difficult against the Indians, surrendering to an exceptional inning from Ambati Rayudu.

The tiger in front of other teams, Kolkata Knight Riders turns into a cat against Mumbai Indians. Saturday was no exception, as Mumbai increased their win record against KKR to 15-5 in favour of them. Mumbai Indians rested many ‘premium’ players, including wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel and in-form sensation Nitish Rana, and gave opportunities to former ‘regular’ players for Mumbai like Ambati Rayudu and Saurabh Tiwary.

They did not disappoint their captain, as banking on their knocks, Mumbai secured a nine-run win over KKR. All the stands were full for this match as spectators turned up in huge numbers. But if felt as if the sixty-one thousand people vanished, as there was complete silence in the galleries following Rayudu’s assault. Rayudu was adjudged Man of the Match for his inning of 63 from 37 balls. He was well supported by partner Saurabh Tiwary, who played a steady knock of 52 from 43.

Reason behind Rayudu’s fury

But Tiwary got run out in a lazy fashion, which left Rayudu bewildered. Rayudu, who grabbed the limelight last season for the on-field spat against his own team mate Harbhajan Singh, was seen furious again on Saturday. Tiwary had to bear the heat, as Rayudu uttered some sentences after the run-out which we understand are not full of praises.

“Saurabh and I go back a long way. I was telling him that you do not make me run for 30 meters. I really do not have a short temper (laughs).”  Rayudu said on the post match presentation ceremony. “It was a tough wait. The team was doing well and I was rightly sitting out after the injury. I am happy that I could get a good knock today. We were looking at 165 to be honest because the wicket was sticky. Anything between 170 and 180 and we knew we would win the game.” he further added when he was asked about the game.

With Parthiv Patel rested, Rayudu had to wear the keepers’ gloves on Saturday. But Ambati admitted that keeping is something which he does not enjoy. “I have been doing it for four years, honestly I do not enjoy it but have to do a job for the team,” said an honest Rayudu. He concluded by saying “We shouldn’t get complacent, a few areas are still a concern and am sure we would address it in home conditions. We have to step up our game now for the play-offs.”

Mumbai will now play Qualifier 1 at Wankhede, either against defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad or Rising Pune Supergiant. Though Rayudu played an exceptional knock, but he is least expected to feature in play-offs, owing to the form of Nitish Rana. That explains the bench strength of Mumbai Indians.