Retirement U-turn? Ambati Rayudu keen to play IPL for CSK and make white-ball cricket comeback

In the middle of the 2019 ICC World Cup came a big announcement from an Indian cricketer who was hoping to be a part of the quadrennial event. Ambati Rayudu, disappointed to have not been picked despite being a consistent part of the team in the build-up to the showpiece event, decided to hang up his boots. Having had time to think about his decision, Rayudu seems to have made a sort of U-turn by expressing his desire to play the Indian Premier League and other forms of white-ball cricket again.

Having been a part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the IPL since 2018, Rayudu has already chalked out a plan for him to be in prime shape for the next season of the franchise league. The first step towards a return is to hit peak fitness again. "I would definitely be playing the IPL for Chennai Super Kings and make a comeback into white-ball cricket. My priority now is to get back into peak fitness," said the right-handed batsman.

Rayudu missed out on India's 15-member squad for the World Cup as the selection committee preferred the 'Three Dimensional' Vijay Shankar over him for the No. 4 spot. During the World Cup, Shankar as well as opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan got injured and had to be replaced, paving way for Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal for the vacant spots in the team. Seeing himself fall down the pecking order, Rayudu decided it was time to call it quits.

“I wouldn't say it was an emotional decision because I worked very hard for the World Cup in the last four years. You are bound to be disappointed and I felt it was time (to retire). The decision that I took was not because of rejection or anything else. You work towards something and when you don't get it, you feel it's time to move on," Rayudu told reporters on the retirement decision.

In his letter to the BCCI, Rayudu had revealed his decision to retire from all forms of cricket, be it international, domestic or franchise-based. Having had some time to think over his career and future since making the hard call in July, he decided to return from retirement and continue playing. Although the 33-year-old didn't reveal if he plans to be a part of India's T20 side again, he didn't rule it out entirely either.

"I had some time to think over it and then decided might as well come and play some cricket," he said before being asked about his plans for the Indian T20I side. "I haven't thought that far yet. I need to take it step-by-step and see how things pan out in the coming months."

For now, playing cricket in the TNCA league and getting himself back in shape seems to be Rayudu's priorities. 

"Chennai is always a place that makes you feel welcomed. TNCA league is a competitive one and will act as a good platform for me to regain my shape," he further said.