Ambati Rayudu retires from first-class cricket

Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has retired from first-class cricket with an intention to focus on white-ball cricket. The right-hand batsman has announced his retirement through a letter he addressed to Hyderabad Cricket Association.

Will play only matches in shorter format: Rayudu

In the letter written to Hyderabad Cricket Association, Rayudu has stated that he will continue to play international and domestic matches of the shorter version.

The Indian middle-order batsman thanked BCCI, HCA, Baroda Cricket Association and also Vidarbha Cricket Association for giving him the opportunities over the years.

Ambati Rayudu on Test retirement:-

"It is an emotional moment for me and my family. Not at all easy to say farewell to Test cricket. But I think I need to step down and give chances to youngsters. I have been crying all day but I've promised myself, I'll remain strong now." pic.twitter.com/BdzV5f9Hss

— Cricket Times (@CrickeTimes) November 3, 2018

Rayudu recalls how everyone supported him after he embraced ICL

Ambati Rayudu had joined the rebellious Indian Cricket League and was banned by BCCI. But few years later he accepted BCCI’s amnesty offer. His ban was revoked and the right-hand batsman soon played in IPL and then made it to the national team as well.

Ambati Rayudu is the great survivor of Indian cricket. Happy to bat anywhere, always contributing. You never write him off. Much to admire in him.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 29, 2018

In his letter, Rayudu has recalled this incident as well. He wrote that it has always been an honour to play for Hyderabad and he can never forget the kind of support he got from all those here, including his fellow players, coaches and the officials. And especially, the way he was welcomed back into the BCCI fold after the stint in the rebel ICL.

Rayudu’s roller-coaster ride in cricket

The Indian batsman was regarded highly for his batting talent since a young age. He was one of India’s most-talked-about under-19 cricketers and was regarded as the heir to India’s famed batting quartet of Sachin, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly.

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However, he joined the Indian Cricket League which almost ended his cricket career. However, courtesy of the amnesty offer, he made a comeback in Indian cricket and since then has made a meteoric rise.

The right-hand player has featured in 97 first-class games scoring 6151 runs including 16 hundreds at an average of 45.56.