Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, a renowned figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has recently made headlines by joining MI Emirates for the upcoming International League T20 (IPLT20), set to kick off on January 19. The announcement was accompanied by a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing Rayudu in action during net practice.
This marks Rayudu’s second venture into overseas T20 leagues, following his stint with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2023 Caribbean Premier League. Interestingly, this participation came after Rayudu’s retirement from the IPL.
Notably, he was initially slated to play for the Texas Super Kings in the inaugural Major League Cricket but withdrew due to personal reasons.
Reports also surfaced indicating that Rayudu may not have fulfilled the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) mandatory cooling-off period before engaging in overseas leagues. This regulatory measure is designed to ensure a gap between a player’s involvement in domestic and international tournaments.
Ambati Rayudu boasts an impressive IPL career, having played 204 games and amassing 4348 runs at a commendable strike rate of 127.54. His contributions include a century and 22 half-centuries. Rayudu’s success extends beyond individual achievements; he has clinched three IPL trophies each with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
In addition to his IPL success, Rayudu has represented India in 55 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and six Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His international record showcases 1736 runs, featuring three centuries and 10 half-centuries.
Rayudu’s versatility as a middle-order batsman has left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape, making him a notable figure both domestically and on the global stage.