IPL 2023: Can’t believe Ambati Rayudu did not play Test cricket – Robin Uthappa on CSK star’s retirement

Rayudu took to Twitter to announce his retirement from the IPL ahead of CSK’s final against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the cash-rich league. However, his last outing was postponed to Monday by incessant rain in Ahmedabad which took the IPL 2023 on its reserve day.

“He has been there, done that, and seen it all. He is one of the most underrated cricketers India has ever produced. He should have played Test Cricket, I can’t believe he did not play the game.

“He is an astute student of the game, someone who knows the game inside out. Absolute team man will do anything for the team. Every team would have loved to have him.

“I have loved him from the age of my junior days. He dominated cricket through junior cricket. His retirement is kind of somber and heartfelt for me,” Uthappa told JioCinema.

Further, Uthappa recalled how Rayudu opened and piled up 602 runs for CSK in the IPL 2018 – a time when his career was thought to be over. The brilliant run helped the Andhra Pradesh-born cricketer make an India comeback.

2 great teams mi nd csk,204 matches,14 seasons,11 playoffs,8 finals,5 trophies.hopefully 6th tonight. It’s been quite a journey.I have decided that tonight’s final is going to be my last game in the Ipl.i truly hav enjoyed playing this great tournament.Thank u all. No u turn ????????

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 28, 2023

He was in line to be named in India squad for 2019 World Cup before being shockingly replaced by all-rounder Vijay Shankar. Uthappa also credited Rayudu for grinding in the middle-order for CSK after a stellar season as an opener without any complaint.

“He did the grunt work for CSK. He opened in 2018, scored 600 runs and CSK won the title. They sent him in the middle to do grunt work after that. And he has done it without any complaint.

“People have trolled him for his performances and all that, but he has taken it on his chin. And the support staff have rallied around him. He deserves all the accolades,” Uthappa added.

Rayudu has played 202 IPL matches and scored 4329 runs including one hundred and 22 fifties at an average of 28.11 and a strike rate of 127.29. For India, the right-hand batter played 55 ODI and six T20I matches to score 1694 at an average of 47.05 and 42 runs respectively.

Many including Virat Kohli have rated Rayudu as the most underrated cricketer in the history of Indian cricket.