IND vs AUS: Ambati Rayudu not worried about lack of match practice ahead of ODIs

Rayudu returned to the national team after a good run for title winners Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2018 during which he scored over 600 runs

Ambati Rayudu's sudden retirement from first-class cricket before the start of the Ranji season would leave him short of match practice ahead of twin ODI series against Australia and New Zealand but the Hyderabad cricketer is unfazed.

Rayudu plays only one format for India and his decision to quit Ranji Trophy and play ODI and IPL raised a few eyebrows but the Hyderabad right-hander called it his method of managing the workload.

“I mean...the only thought process was to preserve my body as far as possible. I am 33. I have had surgery to my knee in the past. I really wanted to make efficient use of my body in terms of the amount of cricket I play," Rayudu said on the sidelines of the launch of the Junior Super Kings inter-school T20 championship 2018.

When asked that his decision would lead to reduced match practice now that he will get into the Australia series having not played a single match for two months, Rayudu couldn't come up with a convincing reply.

“No, I mean definitely match practice is important. Anyway red ball cricket and white ball cricket there is a huge amount of difference. You can compensate by practising and playing other games,” he said.

While skipper Virat Kohli has made it clear that the team management is looking at Rayudu as a No 4 option going into the World Cup, the player himself doesn't have any choices or preferences.

“I am basically not looking at any number as such. I am preparing for the series coming up in Australia. I am not really thinking too far beyond. As far as my training is concerned, I just look at my game and look at where I can improve and go about it,” Rayudu said.

Asked how challenging it was preparing for the ODI series in Australia, the Hyderabad cricketer said preparations were going on well for the tour.

“International cricket in itself is a challenge. So, all I can say is that I am preparing for the upcoming series in Australia the way I should. All I can say is I am preparing well,” he added.

Rayudu returned to the national team after a good run for title winners Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2018 during which he scored over 600 runs. He said he MS Dhoni trusted him and he wanted to repay the faith in him and was happy to make most of the opportunities.

“Definitely! Dhoni bhai trusted me and I always wanted to repay the faith he had in me. I worked on my game and I am happy that I could make most of the opportunities I got,” he added.