In a surprise development, India player Ambati Rayudu has decided to retire from the longer version of the game including Ranji Trophy.
In a communication to the Hyderabad Cricket Association on Saturday, the 33-year-old Rayudu informed that he wanted to focus more on limited-over cricket and the T20 format.
“I will continue to play international and domestic matches of shorter versions. And, I take this opportunity to thank the BCCI, HCA, Baroda Cricket Association and also Vidarbha Cricket Association for giving me the opportunities over the years,” he said in the letter on his return after what has been a very successful ODI series against the West Indies recently.
Expresses gratitude
For the record, Rayudu played 97 First Class games scoring 6151 runs including 16 centuries and 34 fifties averaging 45.56.
“It has always been an honour to play for Hyderabad and I can never forget the kind of support I got from all those here including my fellow-players, coaches and the officials. And, especially, the way I was welcomed back into the BCCI fold after the stint in the rebel ICL,” he said.
This has come as a huge surprise to the cricketing circles as Rayudu is expected to join Hyderabad for its second match of the Ranji season against Tamil Nadu next week, having missed the opener against Kerala as he was national duty.
