India’s middle-order batsman in ODI cricket – Ambati Rayudu has decided to retire from the longer format of the game. He will not play in the multi-day format of the game anymore. The decision was taken in the view to concentrate more on limited overs formats.

The right-hander will not take part in the Ranji Trophy as well. However, he will continue playing international and domestic cricket in both ODI and T20I formats.

An HCA press release read: “Hyderabad Captain and Member of India ODI team has decided to retire from longer version of the game including Ranji Trophy (multi-day) to focus on limited overs cricket and T20 cricket. He will continue to play international and domestic matches of shorter version. He has thanked BCCI, Hyderabad Cricket Association, Andhra Cricket Association, Baroda Cricket Association and Vidhrabha Cricket.”

Recently, the Indian skipper Virat Kohli had backed Ambati Rayudu for the No.4 slot in ODI cricket. Team India had been struggling to find the suitable batsman for the middle-order slot for a long time. After trying out so many options, the team management decided to stick with Rayudu.

He is trusted for the job and will be given an extended run. His recent performance in the ODI series against Windies will make a strong case for his place in the side for the ODI World Cup 2019. Not too many ODIs are remaining for the Men in Blue before the World Cup and Rayudu and the team will be hoping for similar returns from him in the coming games.

The turnaround in Rayudu’s career happened after his brilliant stint with Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 edition of the IPL. He found a place in the ODI side post that but was sidelined due to failing the Yo-Yo Test. But the 33-year-old passed the test later on and shone in the opportunities he got.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram