Interview with Ambati Rayudu: It was great to be part of the Indian team

Ambati Rayudu is one of the best batsmen on the Indian domestic circuit. He has been consistent with runs and has put in dynamic performances in the Ranji matches and IPL where he plays for Mumbai Indians. He started his Ranji career by playing for Andhra Pradesh, then shifted to Hyderabad and has finally settled on Baroda as of now.

Are you happy with the five day format of the Ranji knockouts?

Personally, I feel there should be a fifth day, because that will test the character of both the teams and show the attitude of the cricketers involved.

Were you disappointed on  missing out on a century?

Yeah, definitely disappointed on missing out on the hundred.

Did you enjoy playing for Baroda?

It was a great experience playing for Baroda. We played some really exciting matches and qualified to  the knockout stages from what was a tough group. We did a lot of hard work to get to this stage. So it is really disappointing to bow out in this match, especially since we didn’t even put up a fight. I was trying to play on the merit of the ball and not trying to dominate as such. But whatever ball I felt I could score off, I hit it.

Mumbai bowled very well. Was that frustrating?

It’s not frustrating, the way they bowled. In fact, it was a good challenge for us. Even if we were fielding, we would have tried to bowl the way Mumbai were. It is part and parcel of the game. You should know how to deal with it and score runs no matter what the opposition.

Are you happy with Baroda’s performance?

Yes. We are a young side and we did the best we could. Mumbai is a very experienced side with all big players. I think they (Mumbai) bowled well and there was enough help in the wicket for both seamers and spinners. This is the first time I played against Sachin Tendulkar. But as professional cricketers, we both know how to behave when playing against each other. So it was just normal between the two of us. The wicket had enough help if you bowled in the right areas. At the same time, it was also a good wicket to bat on. If you applied yourselves and waited for the right balls, you could play your shots.

Do you feel that Baroda’s batsmen were not up to the mark in this match?

Yes, definitely our batsmen lacked application. They just threw their wickets away, but these kinds of things happen sometimes.

How did the season go for you?

I personally had a very good season, to be honest. I played on really helpful tracks and am pretty happy with the way I am batting. I am improving with every match. There are a few knocks which satisfied me more than the others, especially the ones against Tamil Nadu. It was a really difficult track to bat in that match, and in both innings I got fifties. So those two innings I would rate as the best.

Did you enjoy being a part of the Indian team?

Yes of course. It was great to be part of the Indian team, but my time there was too short. Still, it was really exciting to see the seniors do well.

You have been a pretty good performer on the domestic circuit. Was it frustrating for you to not get the call earlier?

Actually, it wasn’t frustrating to have not made it to the national side earlier. Every day brings a new challenge and one should be in  position to enjoy it. I am enjoying my game and trying to improve everyday. I am in a good place and have a good mindset. I made a choice to move to a place where no batsman actually wanted to go because of the wicket. I took that as a challenge and am happy that I am doing well, as is the team.