Rayudu has reposed the faith CSK has put on him

Chennai: While Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has found a player in each of its games to put his hand up and see the team home, consistency has come from an unlikely quarter in Ambati Rayudu. Unlikely in the sense, not for lack of ability, but more to do with the role he was expected to play — that of a floater.

While Rayudu played only five matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) last year, his skills as a floater and finisher for MI since 2010 was not lost on the CSK management going for the 32-year-old.

But circumstances, lack of opener in the first two games (injuries to Faf du Plessis and M. Vijay) forced the team to look at Rayudu to fill that slot and it has now paid rich dividends.

He was, in fact, one of the first to report to the camp around mid-March and during an interaction, spoke about his readiness to play in any role the team demanded. But during practice sessions and match simulation, it was evident Rayudu could bat higher up the order.

It was something coach Stephen Fleming highlighted after Wednesday’s game, saying: “He has the backing of the team to play aggressive. He is now experiencing how good he can be with some good form and confidence.”

Fleming added, “His power game has gone unnoticed. But we have certainly valued it. And the performances he has put in this year have been instrumental in winning games and also staying in the games. I couldn’t be more happy with it.”

Skipper M.S. Dhoni, who revealed after the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad that he was in a dilemma on where to bat the right-hander, said he now prefers Rayudu to be most effective at the top of the order.

After his man-of-the-match winning performance against Sunrisers, Rayudu spoke about how the management’s faith in him pushes him forward, Fleming echoed similar views on Wednesday.

When asked about Rayudu’s turnaround, Fleming said: “It is the opportunity. It is about having confidence that he is part of the team. He has batted in different positions but now he has the confidence and security of a regular position in the side.”

After six games, leading the charts with 283 runs (till the RCB-CSK match on April 25) alongside match-winning knocks, Rayudu has well and truly reposed the faith the team has shown on him.