Ambati Rayudu, the seasoned Indian cricketer, bid farewell to international and Indian domestic cricket after contributing to Chennai Super Kings’ triumph in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) final. Despite his retirement from the international stage, Rayudu decided to showcase his cricketing skills in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL). His participation in the CPL marked a significant milestone as he became only the second Indian player, following Pravin Tambe, to compete in the prestigious league.
Ambati Rayudu was picked up by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Rayudu’s CPL journey, however, was relatively short-lived. Having featured in just four games for the franchise, his last appearance was on August 26. Tournament organizers announced that the soon-to-be 38-year-old cricketer left the competition due to personal reasons.
Ambati Rayudu, on the other hand, clarified that he had initially signed a contract with the Patriots, extending until August 28, to honor prior commitments. He fulfilled his contractual obligations before parting ways with the team.
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In a statement posted on his official ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) handle, Rayudu stated, “I have agreed to play in the CPL only till the 28th of August as I have had prior commitments… so as stated in the media I have not pulled out but finished my agreement… thank you @CPL and @sknpatriots.”
I have agreed to play in the cpl only till the 28 th of August as I have had prior commitments.. so as stated in the media I have not pulled out but finished my agreement.. thank you @CPL and @sknpatriots 🙏
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) September 1, 2023
Throughout his IPL career, Ambati Rayudu delivered some remarkable performances. His final IPL innings included a whirlwind 19-run cameo off just 8 balls, which played a pivotal role in Chennai Super Kings’ thrilling victory in the final.
However, Rayudu’s inaugural CPL stint didn’t quite match his IPL success. During his CPL 2023 campaign, the stylish batsman managed to accumulate 47 runs in the three innings he played. His average stood at 15.66, with a strike rate of 117.50, after participating in four matches.
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Unfortunately, the Patriots have struggled to secure wins in the tournament, currently occupying the bottom spot. They have earned just two points, both from matches that were abandoned due to unfavorable weather conditions. The Patriots are set to face Guyana Amazon Warriors in their seventh match, scheduled to be held in Bridgetown on Saturday, September 2.
