Fresh from maiden ODI century, Ambati Rayudu aims to stay grounded

The pressure to do justice, to hold his spot, and to contribute must be really high. Expectedly, he doesn’t like to show it in public.

“Not at all (No real pressure). I am not really bothered about it. I have played at all numbers in different formats of the game and it all depends on what the team needs at that point. I am happy to do whatever they want me. I did bat higher up the order in the last series for India.” That he did and also brought up his first international ton after batting at No.3 though it seems highly unlikely that he would get a chance to bat in the top order in the World Cup.

One thing is sure though; he will get a chance to bat in the top order on Wednesday when he will represent West Zone for the Deodhar Trophy final against East Zone at the Wankhede stadium.

It was an interesting evening at the stadium. Not long after Rayudu had spoken about the importance and tradition of Deodhar Trophy, the lights went out, literally, in the middle of East Zone’s training session. The coach Shiv Sundar Das (Remember him, India’s opener?) wasn’t too pleased. “Lights kyun off kiya ?” said an agitated Das, looking at his watch. It was 7.20 pm with 40 minutes remaining as per the schedule allotted a day before but that was that. So much for the importance for the Deodhar Trophy.

Tournament’s importance

A short while ago Rayudu seemed genuinely respectful of the tournament, though, insisting that the players know its importance and if they don’t, the coaches and senior players pull them up. “Representing your zone for Deodhar Trophy is a big thing. Growing up, you always wanted to play. It’s a very important and prestigious tournament and I am happy and honoured to represent West Zone. I have been part of the last two winning teams and hopefully we make it three in a row.”

The intensity does seem low, though in this tournament. Perhaps it’s just a projection of cynical journalists but it seems so. Do the other youngsters also show similar reverence to the tournament? “Everyone knows the importance of doing well here and there are coaches, managers, and senior cricketers who do remind them if someone is getting carried away.”

Rayudu is heedful of the fact that he shouldn’t get carried away as far as his own career is concerned. The Ranji Trophy is up next before the tri-series and World Cup beckons in Australia but he says he has to focus in getting runs in the Ranji Trophy.

The young Rayudu was an emotionally vulnerable boy, someone who left in a huff and puff at the perceived injustice meted out to him and joined the parallel league of ICL (Indian Cricket League). It’s been a gradual rehabilitation since then; he made his name in the IPL, in domestic cricket and now trying his best for India. He seems a lot more at peace these days. He is still shy when it comes to speaking to the media, preferring monosyllables but there is always a smile on his lips.

“I think, I am a little bit more sensible now (smiles),” he says when asked about what the Indian experience has taught him in his batting. “And the shot selection. Not in the last game but! ( He was out lbw, going for a across-the-line hoick but was trapped by a slower one from South Zone’s Vinay Kumar) But I am definitely trying to get better.”

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