Ambati Rayudu might have seen his recall to the India team fall away in a cruel manner after he failed the Yo-Yo fitness test but the batsman remains focused on working his way back into the national team set-up.
The Chennai Super Kings batsman was handed another chance in the India ODI side for the tour of England after his exemplary performances with the bat for the IPL champions. However, his failure to clear the Yo-Yo test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru cost him dear, with his CSK team-mate Suresh Raina taking his place in the squad.
Despite that setback, Rayudu is not giving up on his dreams of returning to the Indian side for the first time since 2016.
“Of course, I have not yet given up hope of playing for India. The dream of playing for India very much remains. I have been working on my game,” Rayudu was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.
“I hope to take the test again in the coming days and hope to clear it,” he added.
Rayudu was replaced by Raina in India’s ODI squad.
Rayudu, who scored 602 runs for Chennai in the IPL this year at an average of 43, thanked the franchise for their belief in him.
“The franchise made me feel at home. The environment in the team, the warmth of fans, atmosphere and the team management propelled us to give our best. I must thank every player. I am happy that I could experience that feeling. I could express myself. We were in a very good space mentally and that really helps. I hope to do better next season,” he said.
While Rayudu deals with his axing, Raina will be hoping to stake his claim for a permanent ODI role in the three-match series to come against England.
