Virat Kohli checks on Ambati Rayudu after the latter got smacked on the back

The last few days haven’t gone well with Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu. A couple of months ago, he was deemed to be India’s number four for the World Cup in England and Wales that is set to get underway on May 30. In India’s erstwhile tour of Australia, he couldn’t quite step up and deliver owing to which he didn’t play the last match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

To add to his woes, MS Dhoni, who batted at number four in that match, played a game-changing knock that helped the visitors win the series 2-1. However, Rayudu was back to his middle-order slot in the ongoing series against New Zealand. Nevertheless, body blows haven’t eluded him even in this series. The 33-year-old batter was hit on the back by a fierce throw from Trent Boult.

Rayudu couldn’t get out of line

The incident took place in the first ball of the 39th over from leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. The tweaker dished out a half-tracker and Virat Kohli, Rayudu’s partner, went to the backfoot and smacked it with all his might. However, he didn’t quite get the timing right and hence, the shot didn’t have enough power. The leather went to the deep cover region and Boult didn’t have to make much of an effort.

The speedster speared in the leather, but somehow, Rayudu managed to come on its way. Ambati didn’t know much about the throw and he turned himself around, taking an evasive action. Subsequently, he got a nasty blow on his back. He sat on the turf for a few months, clutching on to his back. Tom Latham, the Black Caps’ wicketkeeper, checked up on him and gave him a pat on his back.

Thereafter, Kohli also went up to him and enquired about his well-being. At that point in time, Rayudu was batting on 29 from 24 balls. The right-hander ended up scoring 47 runs from 49 balls with three fours and a six. Moreover, he stitched together a stand of 64 with Virat and then a partnership of 35 with Dhoni before being dismissed by right-arm fast bowler Lockie Ferguson.

Here is the video

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