IPL 2018: Ambati Rayudu excited about the CSK vs MI rivalry

The Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are one of the best and most consistent franchises in the history of IPL. The yellow army has reached the knockout stages in each of the seasons of the IPL and has gone all the way in two editions. The Mumbai Indians have won three titles in the last decade.

Arch-rivals

CSK v MI is a fixture that excites fans all over the world. This is because both teams look equally competitive on the paper and display the brand of cricket that fans crave for. It is an encounter that promises nail biters. This fixture was absent in the last two seasons because of the suspension of the Super Kings. The Chennai franchise is back and so are the high expectations for an exciting edition of the cash-rich league. The 11th edition will see MI and CSK going against each other in the opening match.

Ambati Rayudu, a former MI player, was purchased by the Chennai Super Kings in the mega-auction held on January 27 and 28. CSK has always been the team to beat. Chepauk is a fortress which is very difficult to breach. “I have played against Chennai Super Kings on numerous occasions and there was never a more important match than that for Mumbai Indians. If there was one team that could beat MI even when they were playing at their best, that was CSK. CSK always appeared very calm and composed and they always had a clear mindset and backed themselves” recollects Rayudu as quoted by circleofcricket.com.

Rayudu is a versatile player as he can bat at any position. He can provide valuable contributions to the yellow army and also act as a backup keeper to MS Dhoni. He has been a consistent performer for Mumbai Indians over the past eight seasons and CSK will be hoping that the player maintains the same level of intensity and consistency on the field.

The first match of IPL 2018 is set to be played on the 7th of April between the arch-rivals Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede.