Ambati Rayudu was a through and through MI player until this edition of the IPL, wherein he has emerged as one of the brightest prospects of the Chennai franchise. He was bought for Rs 2.2 crore by CSK in the auction.
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While after the auction it seemed like Rayudu could be left out on the bench, MS Dhoni’s idea of using him at the top of the order has worked wonders.
With his opening partner, Shane Watson, he has been successful in utilizing powerplay overs.
He has scored 329 runs in just seven games at an astonishing strike rate over 150.00 and an amazing average of 47. Currently, he is the leading run scorer in the tournament and he is holding the orange cap.
Stephen Fleming holds Rayudu in the highest regard and has pin pointed him for the success for CSK.
“He has the backing of the team to play aggressively. He is now experiencing how good he can be. His power game has gone unnoticed, but we have certainly valued it. And the performances he has put in this year have been instrumental in winning games and also staying in the games. I couldn’t be happier with it.”
“Opportunity. Having the confidence that he is a part of this team. He has batted at a couple of different positions but has got the confidence and the security of a regular position. He is now experiencing how good he can be with some good form and confidence,” Fleming said, as quoted by Deccan Chronicle
MS Dhoni did deploy him in that middle order role as well and Rayudu excelled there as well. However, Dhoni and Fleming feel that he is best suited for that opening slot.
