Gut feeling is that the best years are ahead of me: Ambati Rayudu

Veteran Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has been out of reckoning from the Indian side for quite some time now. The talented batsman has been on the fringes of national selection though. The last time he turned up in Indian colors, for India A in the warm-up games against England this year, he had scored an unbeaten ton. This year, he was a part of the Mumbai Indian camp that lifted the Indian Premier League Trophy.

Recently, in a conversation with The Hindu, Ambati Rayudu spoke at length about how things have fared up for him in the last couple years. He also elaborated on what he plans to do next. He remarked that being a part of the Mumbai Indians team has been phenomenal. On the personal front, he feels that his best years are yet to come and he feels that he is at the peak of his batting right now.

“It is a great feeling to be a member of Mumbai Indians team which has won the IPL thrice and the Champions League twice in the eight seasons I have played for them,” quoted Ambati Rayudu.

“I personally believe that the best years for a cricketer, especially a batsman, are between 28 and 35. So, my gut feel is that the best years are ahead of me. I have been very consistent in recent years and feel that I am at my peak as a batsman,” he added.

Winning the IPL at home ground

He further added that he loved to win the IPL trophy this year infront of his home crowd. The finals of IPL 2017 was played at Hyderabad between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant. He rued the fact that he got out cheaply in the match.

“It is a special feeling to win the IPL in my hometown. I wish I had not been run out for I was playing well and looking for a big knock in the final (against Rising Pune Supergiant),” quipped Rayudu.

MI’s success mantra

Trying to inspect the reason for the success of the Mumbai Indians camp, Ambati Rayudu cited that the team is never complacent. The players keep motivating one another and hence the atmosphere in the team camp is always bright.

“What is important is the way we Mumbai Indians keep ourselves motivated. Never content in winning one title and relaxing. For instance, when we won the first, we never content. The urge was on for the second and then the third one. So, that’s how we are always high on motivation,” quoted the Hyderabad batsman.

On injuries hampering his chances

Looking at the brighter side of things, Rayudu chirped that he is happy to work harder and get back in the mix of things for the national side. He rightly pointed out that he was very much in the national side last year. Had there not been injury woes plaguing him, things would have been very sweet for him by now.

“If you remember I was there in the scheme of things as far as the Indian team is concerned last year. But, injuries dented my chances. Again, because I have been pushing myself too far, these things happen. But they will not be a deterrent even as I look for a very successful domestic season,”