CSK Finds a New Star in Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu put on a sensational 112-run partnership with Suresh Raina which prepared the stage for Chennai’s four run win against Hyderabad on Sunday.When CSK bought Ambati Rayudu, a big question rose that where would he fit in the playing XI. But his numerous match-winning cameos for Mumbai Indians have evolved him to be adaptable and have a flexible mentality for various positions.

Crciket News: Floater Rayudu fits fine into CSK’s flexible plans

It was this adaptability that came to CSK’s need against Hyderabad. Rayudu who had opened for CSK in the previous games, came down to bat at No. 4 when CSK was stuck at 32/2 in 7.1 overs and played a match-winning innings.

In his 112-run stand with Raina, the 32-year-old showed some scintillating hitting and also included some exemplary skill such as scoops and dabs.

Skipper Dhoni praised Rayudu saying, “Rayudu has been fantastic. When we selected the team, one of the things was where do we make him play. And I have seen him bat up the order at No. 3. Now that Faf is back, he has to open and Rayudu had to bat down. Whenever Rayudu plays the big shots, he maintains shape, which is very important.”

Rayudu said that he has got the motivation because of the trust the CSK management has put on him.

“I’m really happy. The faith they have me in actually pushes me to do a lot more. Today the ball was just stopping a bit, I tried a few different shots and I’m happy that it came off.”

Even the opposition skipper Kane Williamson, who scored a magnificent 51-ball 84 in a lost cause, also praised Rayudu’s performance in the match.

“He played very well. To score at a strike rate of 200 plus (on that pitch) was an outstanding effort. He put the pressure back on us and certainly played a match-winning knock. Hats off to him.”