Once reckoned as the next batting sensation after Sachin Tendulkar, Ambati Rayudu has not done enough to impress the selectors in his 10 years of domestic career. He is still young at an age of 25, and currently performing great for Mumbai Indians in IPL, but has he done enough to open the door for International cricket? We've seen many young Indian talents making their ways to International platform based on their performances in domestic cricket. Some of them, like Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina have already shone to fame, while Rohit Sharma is given multiple chances despite failing in most of the occasions. Where is Ambati Rayudu standing in comparison to these players? Let's make an analysis based on their domestic records:
Rayudu hasn't played enough cricket since his debut in 2001, as he was banned by Indian board due to his involvement in controversial Indian Cricket League. The ban deprived him from playing cricket for long time and affected his form.
As compared to other batsmen who have made to the national team, Rayudu has got poor average rate in all form of domestic competitions. He is the only batsman among 5 mentioned in the table who has first-class average of below 50, making it hard for him to get into test side. His performance in List-A matches is also below par. His average of 32.56 is not justifying his ability at all. However, he can be included as a prospective player to be included in both ODI and T20 as he has got wide varieties of shots and possesses hard-hitting skills. He can play faster and thus suits in a short format of cricket.
Average is not the best method to measure the player's talent. There are so many evidences in the International cricket where players perform the best despite having not-so-attractive domestic records. I have found Rayudu's records to be quite similar to that of Herschelle Gibbs, the South African premier batsman. We know what a threat Gibbs was to his opponents. His success in the International cricket can become an inspiration to Rayudu. An example of English opener Marcus Trescothick is also good to mention here. He is one person responsible to lift the standard of English cricket during their poor time. He is one person whose International achievement is better than the domestic one.
Ambati Rayudu is a quality cricketer, and it's upto BCCI to nourish his talent to prepare for International level. Rayudu should be playing more for India's A side that compete with top-level International team at home and away.
Note: You can also read about Paul Valthaty, who is having the best moment in IPL 2011.
