IPL 2018 | Ambati Rayudu key reason for CSK sitting close to the top, says Stephen Fleming

Chennai Super Kings have had a wonderful return to the IPL after missing out on two editions of the competition due to a ban imposed on them for the 2013 scandal. After having a rather mixed bag of emotions after the IPL auction held in January, MS Dhoni & Co. have ensured that they proved all their doubters wrong by climbing to second in the league table behind Sunrisers Hyderabad.

A major reason behind CSK’s resurgence has been the stunning form of new recruit, Ambati Rayudu who they got in the auction for a measly sum of Rs. 2.20 crore. Rayudu has been a guiding light at the top of the batting order where he has amassed 535 runs at an average of 48.63. Fleming credited Rayudu’s form as one of the reasons why CSK are sitting at the top of the table this year.

“He is one of the key reasons we are sitting close to the top of the points table. He has not only dominated the run charts but the manner in which he has done so has been fantastic. You need one or two players at the top to fire if you want to win the IPL,” Fleming said in a post-match interview, reported TOI.

Rayudu starred for CSK in their encounter against league leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad as he scored his maiden IPL century. Rayudu smashed a career-best score of 100* in just 62 balls as CSK ended the visitors winning run. 

“Much like Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson from Sunrisers who make their skillset so infectious, Rayudu’s batting too has been contagious in the manner in which he has gone about his business,” Fleming added.

The CSK coach also praised the likes of MS Dhoni and Shane Watson who have helped win some crucial games for the yellow brigade with their performances on the field.

“Rayudu is doing that and some other guys like Shane Watson, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni are chipping in strongly,” Fleming concluded.