Ambati Rayudu: Sachin Tendulkar and Robin Singh have helped me a lot

Ambati Rayudu has paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar and Robin Singh and has thanked them for their efforts in helping him through his dark period in the game.

The 27-year-old made a successful debut for India by scoring 63 off 84 balls partnering with Virat Kohli, guiding India to a victory in the first match of the ODI series against Zimbabwe.

“Sachin (Tendulkar) and Robin Singh especially. They’ve helped me a lot, and I’d definitely like to thank them for that,” Rayudu said.

“I always had the belief that if I could get things right and I could get my mind right I could make it into the team one day, and I’m really happy that I got my chance today,” he added.

“It feels marvellous. It’s been pretty emotional,” he said.

“More than nervous, I was very emotional,” he added.

Rayudu also praised Kohli, who played a stellar innings in the first ODI against Zimbabwe.

“I think he’s playing the best cricket possible,” Rayudu said.

“I definitely feel that he’s the best in the world right now in the one-day format. He made it a lot easier for me, and I was just looking at the way he was constructing his innings. It’s a very good learning experience,” he added.

He also thanked his family and friends for standing by him during the tough times.

“My family, my friends and especially the Mumbai Indians support staff (have been there for me),” Rayudu said.