Ambati Rayudu, a middle-order batsman for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), recently provided some insight into the team’s dugout atmosphere during their tense last-ball victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2023 championship game on May 29 in Ahmedabad.
Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and a four off the final two deliveries with 10 runs needed to win for CSK in a rain-shortened match as they had to chase a challenging 171 in 15 overs.
Ambati Rayudu discussed the winning moment when MS Dhoni entered Zen mode during the final two balls in an exclusive interview with NDTV Sports.
“I sat directly behind Dhoni, and when we weren’t getting boundaries, Rayudu and I switched seats in an effort to change our luck. The Ahmedabad dressing room was so high up that everyone had to sit in the dugout. “It was crazy, we were all closing our eyes, just watching the game, and we really didn’t know what to do because you are actually way more tense when you are not in control, not on the ground. “
In addition, Rayudu praised MS Dhoni for letting him pick up the trophy as a gesture of goodwill.
“Before the ceremony, Dhoni came and told Jaddu and me that he wants to help him lift the trophy and that he believes it is the right time and place to do it for both of us. It was a really thoughtful gesture on his part. In my opinion, that has never happened, and given who he is and who the world knows him to be, the gesture is wholly his. “
CSK has now tied the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) record of five IPL championships and has advanced to the final a record 10 times.
Ambati Rayudu on CSK’s batting performance vs. GT: “Every knock there was crucial by everyone.”
Ambati Rayudu praised the entire CSK batting order for chasing an impossible 171 in 15 overs in the final against the potent Gujarat Titans bowling attack. Before the final, Rayudu, who had announced his retirement from the IPL, scored a crucial 19 off eight deliveries to assist CSK in maintaining the necessary pace.
Ambati Rayudu credited the entire batting lineup for pulling off the thrilling run-chase when he talked about his significant cameo in the championship.
Yes, it was important, but every single knock, in my opinion, was important, added Rayudu. “Ajinkya before me was a very crucial knock, even Shivam playing until the end and those two sixes from Rashid from Shivam was crucial, and definitely Jadeja in the end. The season-long performance of the openers was outstanding. Overall, the team worked really well together. “
CSK had six batters in double figures, each scoring at a strike rate of over 150, despite not having a half-centurion in their batting innings. The 37-year-old discussed his mindset as he prepared to bat with his team still needing 54 runs off 25 pitches.
When you enter such a situation, Rayudu continued, “most of your instincts take over and you don’t actually think that much.” You just need to react when you see the ball and rely on all of your preparation and experience to show up at that point. “
Ambati Rayudu didn’t get many chances to bat throughout the season, but he saved his best for last, slamming two sixes and a four in an eight-ball stay that helped tip the scales in favor of CSK.
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