IPL 2021: Stephen Fleming shares an update on Ambati Rayudu’s elbow injury during CSKvsMI match

Chennai Super Kings’ head coach Stephen Fleming has shared an update on Ambati Rayudu’s arm injuring during the game against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, September 19 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rayudu copped a blow on his elbow off a vicious short delivery from fast bowler Adam Milne in the second over of CSK’s innings.

Soon after, he collapsed on the ground with serious pain as his left elbow swelled up. The physio treated him, but Rayudu strained to hold on to his bat and in the end, had to retire hurt on a duck. After electing to bat first, the Super Kings lost their overseas recruits Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali for ducks. Rayudu’s dismissal meant that CSK were effectively three down.

However, the 35-year-old right-hander has managed to evade a serious injury and has got away with a “bad bruise”, Fleming confirmed.

Fleming talks about Ambati Rayudu

“Rayudu’s x-ray was clear. It’s just a bad bruise at this stage. We thought it could have been broken, but it is not,” Fleming was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference, Cricbuzz reported.

In the post-match presentation ceremony, CSK skipper MS Dhoni also talked about Rayudu’s behaviour after getting hit on the elbow.

“Rayudu was smiling, so he hasn’t broken his arm. He has four days now and that should help him,” Dhoni said after the game.

Three-time IPL champions CSK are next scheduled to lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday, September 24 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It remains to be seen if Rayudu can recover before the crucial game.

In the meantime, CSK have got back their top spot in the points table after beating MI by 20 runs in Match No.30 of the 2021 IPL. After effectively being reduced to 24 for five in the powerplay, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s unbeaten 58-ball 88 helped the Super Kings post 156 on the board.

He got the apt support from Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo, who both scored in their 20s. Bravo also starred with the ball as he returned with three wickets for 25 runs. Deepak Chahar also got two crucial wickets for 19 runs.