Chennai Super Kings veteran Ambati Rayudu saved his from humiliation with a fine fifty in the IPL 2020 opener against Mumbai Indians. Soon after his sublime knock, the Twitter was on fire as the fans took a dig at former India selector MSK Prasad, who deliberately left him out of the ICC World Cup squad last year.
Chasing a moderate total of 163 runs on the batting-friendly wicket in Abu Dhabi, the Super Kings were in a spot of bother. Both the openers were back in the hut with only six runs in the board. Mumbai Indians’ new recruits James Pattinson and Trent Boult struck early to put Mumbai on track.
Ambati Rayudu scores a fine fifty to put Chennai on back
Since then, it was only one-way traffic as Ambati Rayudu dominated the proceedings with a fine fifty. He partnered well with Faf du Plessis to bail Chennai out of danger and put them in a position where they can chase down the target easily.
Rayudu, in particular, looked in sublime form with the bat as he toiled with the bowlers. He played a couple of brilliant shots including hitting Jasprit Bumrah for a towering six to stamp his authority. Rayudu played a classic knock to bring his 33-ball 50 which was dominated mostly by boundaries.
As soon as he reached the landmark, the Twitter was ablaze with fans and cricketing pundits including Aakash Chopra taking a dig at former selector MSK Prasad. Incidentally, Prasad had snubbed Ambati Rayudu from the World Cup squad last year in favour three-dimensional Vijay Shankar.
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The veteran batsman from Hyderabad was the front-runner to be on the plane to England with Virat Kohli backing him as the No.4 batsman. But Rayudu found himself out of the squad and out of anger took his retirement. However, he reversed his decision and has come back with a bang.
Might not be a 3D player but still fairly efficient at the one dimension he has….top knock Ambati Rayudu 👌🙌 #CSK #MIvCSK #IPL2020
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 19, 2020
MI are not getting overs from spin that CSK got from the wily Chawla. And how good has Rayudu garu been so far.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 19, 2020
Ambati Rayudu!
What a hit. That hit to Boom!
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 19, 2020
Is Rayudu making a statement at number 4? Past is past but just saying. #MIvCSK
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) September 19, 2020
Rayudu and du Plessis have not only salvaged situation for CSK, but shown there is no devil in the pitch and match can be won by sensible batting. Rayudu particularly impressive. Superb foowork, not a little derring do and some exotic strokeplay #IPL
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 19, 2020
Rayudu thinking about BCCI and batting #CSKvMI pic.twitter.com/zb56yl7UPc
— Sanjeev NC (@yenceesanjeev) September 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/hargunks185/status/1307365791117918211?s=20
Ambati rayudu tonight to BCCI for Worldcup team selection. pic.twitter.com/R4ikL8IjTt
— Chutiyappa_corner_ (@Chutiyapacorner) September 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/CricketMemes718/status/1307366430233354241?s=20
Ambati Rayudu, 3D Glasses, World Cup and MSK Prasad. Connections……
— Mani 🇵🇰 (@ManiTweets14) September 19, 2020
Ambati Rayudu's scored first fifty in #IPL2020 ..
His fifty come in a good time for CSK..
After his Fifty match is totally in Hand of CSK..
His fifty in tough situation announces that he was best player for 4th spot in Indian WC team 2019.. #CSKvsMI— राहुल दुबे (@Therahul_dubey) September 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/Shivu2005/status/1307371219264638989?s=20
