PANAJI
Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu is in Goa to participate in the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 being held at the newly-built 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna.
“I have played a lot of junior cricket in Goa for my side Hyderabad. Even a few Ranji Trophy matches I have played over here. I come here often for holidays. It always feels nice to be back in Goa, this time though to play in the World Legends Pro T20 League. It is a nostalgic feeling to catch up with my colleagues whom I have played along with in the IPL,” Ambati told The Goan.
In fact, Ambati has won the IPL trophy a record six times, the only player other than Rohit Sharma to achieve this feat. He played for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“It has been a great journey especially playing for 14 years in the IPL. I have been fortunate enough to be part of two very good teams “ Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Initial years were a good learning experience. It helped me to grow as a player,” Rayudu said.
Rayudu who began his first-class career with Hyderabad in 2002 at the age of 16, captained the Indian team at the 2004 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh where India finished as semi-finalists.
“India U-19 was a good break for me at an early age. Doing well over there and in first-class cricket got me an opportunity to play for India A,” the Hyderabadi batsman said.
“Journey has been quite up and down especially during the initial years. I am happy that I perceived and had the opportunity to play for my country, ” Ambati said.
However, Rayudu had to wait for quite a few years to make his India debut. Finally, when he made his ODI debut on 24 July 2013 against Zimbabwe, he scored 63 not out, thereby becoming the 12th Indian batsman to score a half-century on ODI debut and helped India win that match in partnership with his captain, Virat Kohli, who made a century,
Regarding his debut match, Rayudu said, “It was a sweet experience. More than the fifty, getting the India Cap after a long wait was a big moment for me in that game. Eventually, I thoroughly enjoyed my journey playing for the Indian team. I have been with the team for around six years. Couldn’t get to play more matches as the team was really good which had good batsmen. So, it was hard to get into the playing XI. I am happy with my performances with whatever matches I got to play.”
Rayudu represented India in 61 international matches (55 ODI and 6 T20) from 2013 “ 2019 scoring three centuries in ODI with his highest score being 124 not out. He played under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohil, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma.
Ambati further went on to add, “No regrets of not playing Test cricket. I have done my best in terms of putting my name out there. Everybody’s destiny is different. “
“It was my father’s dream that his son plays for India. He was the one who got me into cricket at an early age. Though he could not play for the country, I am happy to have made him proud,” Rayudu said.
