SA20 2024: Ambati Rayudu likely to join Joburg Super Kings

Veteran India batter Ambati Rayudu is all set to represent Joburg Super Kings in the second season of SA20. Notably, the 37-year-old maintains a healthy relationship with the Super Kings franchise, having represented them for six years in the Indian Premier League.

Meanwhile, the cricketer initially announced his participation in the inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) for Texas Super Kings but later had to withdraw, stating family reasons. However, it was widely believed that BCCI had a role to play in the decision. The supreme body of Indian cricket recently announced that the players will have to maintain a cooling-off period for one year before playing in other foreign leagues.

Thus, it was thought to be the reason behind Rayudu pulling out. However, just a month later, the Andhra Pradesh-born cricketer signed for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season and is on the verge of joining Joburg. As per Cricbuzz, Kasi Vishwanathan, one of the representatives of the Super Kings, is in constant talks with Rayudu, Faf du Plessis (captain) and Stephen Fleming (coach) to complete the process.

On the other hand, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots chairman Mahesh Ramani has expressed his excitement to have Rayudu on board for the upcoming season. He added saying that Rayudu’s experience will help the team massively, and the cricketer can also guide young players and play a part in them winning their second championship in the league.

“I'm pleased to inform Patriots fans that Ambati Rayudu has been signed as one of our overseas players for the 2023 season. Ambati's extensive experience, having won multiple championships with various teams during his illustrious career in India, will undoubtedly enhance the development of our young players as we aim for our second CPL title in 2023,” Ramani told.

Notably, the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League will begin on August 16. Saint Lucia Kings will take on Jamaica Tallawahs in the opening match. St Kitts and Navis Patriots will be playing their inaugural match on August 19 against Trinbago Knight Riders.