The second coming of Ambati Rayudu

Written By Unknown on Senin, 01 September 2014 | 21.25

MUMBAI: When Ambati Rayudu hit an unbeaten 64 to guide India home against England in Trent Bridge on Saturday, after the chase looked shaky once, one man's 'wait' was finally over.

Back in 1992, an enthusiastic seven-year-old boy had approached Vijay Paul and Nagesh Hammond's 'camp' in the Gymkhana in Secunderabad to learn cricket.

"He appeared as a special boy right away. When he was 10, I put him in the 'senior nets,' where he looked at ease against boys far bigger his age. At 13, I played him in an 'A' division game, and he hit a hundred on debut. He didn't look back after that. His big moments came at the U-16 and the U-19 level," Rayudu's coach Paul, told TOI.

Rayudu's 'big moments' included scoring an unbeaten 177 against England for the India U-19 team in 2002, and then captaining the side in the under-19 World Cup in Dhaka.

"He should have played for India when he was a teenager," rued Paul.

"He was a prodigy that time. He deserved an opportunity to play for India much earlier," felt former India stumper and chief selector Kiran More too.

However, while a few from that '04 U-19 World Cup batch - like Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and Dinesh Karthik - did go on to play for India, Rayudu, despite all his talent, lurched in wilderness due to controversies he, and those associated with him, want to forget about now.

He migrated to the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007, before coming back into the mainstream. Life seemed to be going nowhere for him, and one thought that Indian cricket had lost him for good, Rayudu struck gold.

The Mumbai Indians signed him up for the 2010 season, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Another factor that helped Rayudu bounce back was the move to play for Baroda.

"He has really blossomed since moving to Baroda and MI. In Baroda he has had the chance to bat on fast, difficult wickets, which has improved his game," More felt.

It hasn't been as easy a ride for Rayudu in Team India. It can be tough when you're seen as a 'reserve' player all the time, and only get your chance when someone breaks a bone or is out of form.

It happened in England too. It was only an injury to Rohit Sharma that created a vacancy for him. And Rayudu caught the opportunity with both hands.

The ease with which Rayudu batted suggests that he could be the 'all-conditions man' India desperately need, especially with the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand not far away.

"He's got a quality technique, which means he can play on all surfaces. He's a smart cricketer, who knows when to pick up one and twos, and when to hit boundaries," said More.

More felt Rayudu now deserved a spot in the first XI right away.

"At 28, he's got his opportunity pretty late, but he must be played consistently now. He's a quality batsman, and the experience of 13 years of First class cricket has helped him become better. As far as our World Cup plans are concerned, he could strategically be a key player," More said.

Paul felt Rayudu's tremendous 'mental strength' had helped him overcome what was a tough phase for the cricketer.

"He is mentally very tough. He has become calmer, more attentive now. He is solely focused on the game," Paul revealed.

Having waited for a long, long time to see Rayudu sizzle in India colours, the coach felt content. His 'special boy' was finally doing 'special' things.

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