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In a candid YouTube podcast, Ambati Rayudu, the former India international, shared insights into his captivating journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having played for two of the most successful franchises, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Ambati Rayudu won three IPLs and two Champions League trophies with MI
Rayudu, who had been a mainstay in IPL cricket since its inception, expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received with MI, where he was a part of the team’s setup from 2010 to 2017. He reminisced about the early years when MI was shaping its identity and how the experience enriched his cricketing career.
“I would remember myself as being very flexible in a team environment. I would bat open as well as in the middle order and lower middle order. That is one area where I take a lot of pride in, contributing to the team, and I cherish that aspect a lot in my career,” Rayudu said on The Ranveer Show.
The right-handed batsman played a pivotal role in MI’s success, contributing crucial runs in the middle order. Rayudu’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when required made him a valuable asset for the team. Reflecting on his time with MI, he highlighted the camaraderie within the squad and credited the franchise for instilling a winning culture.
“I played eight years for them. I started my IPL career with Mumbai. It was a great journey, and we won three IPLs and two Champions League trophies. We had great times,” added the Guntur-born cricketer.
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Rayudu won three IPL trophies with CSK
Rayudu’s journey took an interesting turn when he joined CSK in 2018. In the vibrant yellow jersey, he found a new home and quickly became an integral part of the CSK setup. Rayudu played key innings at the top of the order, forming formidable partnerships with the likes of Shane Watson, Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina.
The highlight of Rayudu’s IPL career came in the 2018 season when he amassed over 600 runs, showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles within the team. He played crucial knocks that propelled CSK to the final, where they emerged victorious.
“Going to CSK was even more special, but it was very weird to sit in another dressing room, put on yellow pads instead of blue, and face Mumbai, who was practicing just two wickets away from me. It was like a whole flashback going on in my head, recalling what we used to do every day. From then on, yeah, I got used to being in CSK,” added Rayudu.
Talking further about his international career, Rayudu expressed disappointment over its conclusion and the manner in which he was treated by the team management. Rayudu conveyed that the management perceived his calm and quiet nature as a lack of confidence.
