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Back with a bang

Back in action Ambati Rayudu

For close to two years now, from 2007, Ambati Rayudu could not even dare to come anywhere near the premises of the Gymkhana Grounds. Why? There was an unwritten ban on all those like Rayudu who joined the rebel Indian Cricket League. Only last Decemb er, Rayudu was staring down the tunnel of despair as the ICL too was in the winding-up mood. “I lost all hope of playing cricket again only a few months ago. But nothing was in my hands. I was just waiting for things to happen and fortunately, they all did for my good,” recalls the 23-year-old Rayudu on the eve of his first Ranji match against Himachal Pradesh, after missing two seasons. “There is no better feeling than to be out there with my State players even though ICL was itself a huge learning experience,” he insists. Not even the fact that he signed up with the Mumbai Indians for the Indian Premier League excites him more than the fact that he will be playing for Hyderabad in Ranji again. “IPL is only a 45-day show. Ranji tops my priorities. I only look to score as many big hundreds as possible,” Rayudu says. “Right now I am not thinking too far ahead, like playing for India. I decided to take it match by match and not talk big,” he pointed out. What is the change his fans can expect from him? “There is no question of throwing away my wicket. I realise how important it is to be patient. And playing golf is really helping me,” Rayudu reveals.

He also asserts that what appealed to him in the current Ranji squad is the high degree of professionalism in training and attitude. “We are all inspired by the hard work being put in by coach Venkatapathi Raju,” he explained. “The huge advantage for me is the fact that Raju was my first captain in Ranji Trophy and I am really fortunate that he is at the helm when I returned from the ICL. He is such a wonderful character,” says Rayudu.

Did he feel uncomfortable when re-joining the Hyderabad team? “Honestly not. Maybe because of Raju Sir’s presence. But again, there is no personal animosity. We want to forget the past and look ahead,” He is grateful to N. Shivlal Yadav, BCCI vice-president and the HCA secretary for making it possible for the ICL players to return to the official grade of cricket.

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