Vijay Hazare Trophy | Nothing to prove to anyone, I play on my own terms, says Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu, who has been selected to lead the Hyderabad team in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bangalore believes he has nothing to prove to anyone. Following his non-selection in the World Cup, Rayudu had announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket but soon enough he has taken a u-turn as he will be participating in the upcoming domestic one-day tournament.

“I am really excited and also very relaxed. I have nothing to prove. I play my brand of cricket and don’t care what others say. Once I keep performing I should be on the radar (of Indian team selection),” Rayudu was quoted saying by Sportstar after his training session.

The 33-year-old has a clear idea about his role as captain of the Hyderabad team. Besides working on his own game, he wants to groom the young talents who will be playing alongside him.

“I am on a dual mission: go out there and express myself and groom young talent,” he says. “It was certainly a difficult phase in my career when I announced my retirement. But, now I have come out of it. Fully committed. What happened is past. I retired only for 45 days and I don’t think there can be any big change in my game.

“It has been a 17-year-long journey in First-Class cricket and having played the IPL for 10 seasons and for the country, I have taken the longest route to be where I am. I play on my own terms and will play as long as I feel I can,” he said.

“Win the Ranji Trophy, for sure! Everyone of us (teammates and support staff) agree on that. It is something very emotional as we dream of putting our hands on the Ranji Trophy. I am sure this team can do it,” Rayudu concluded by asserting his goal as the captain of Hyderabad.