14 April,2011 06:37 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Rayudu didn't expect Sachin to surrender his man-of-the-match award to him
Ambati Rayudu's aspiration of playing for India received a boost on Tuesday. His knock of 63 under the watchful eyes of Sachin Tendulkar again established the wealth of talent possessed by India's former Under-19 skipper.
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Rayudu and Tendulkar flashed their bats after Mumbai romped home to a nine-wicket win against Bangalore.
Rayudu's knock floored his skipper, Tendulkar, who during the presentation ceremony, handed him his Man of the Match award, and said: "It was a brilliant innings from the young man (Rayudu). It was a special stuff. He deserves this award."
Excerpts from an interview:
Ambati Rayudu plays a powerful pull shot during his match-winning knock against Bangalore on Tuesday. PiC/AFP
On Tendulkar's gesture:
I was happy and surprised. It was a very inspirational gesture from my skipper.
The fact that he gave the award to me meant more than anything else. It was probably one my most cherished moments.
On raising bats together:
(Laughs) Honestly, there was nothing planned about that. There's been lot of talk about that, but it was just coincidental.
On reinstating his image as India material:
I am not thinking that far ahead. I just want to take things as they come. Right now, I am just very happy to be playing for Mumbai Indians, and doing well on a consistent basis.
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On the fear of being branded a T20 specialist:
Those who know me are aware that I am adept to all formats. Right now, the focus is IPL, because I am playing for Mumbai Indians. I want to be able to adapt to different tournaments, teams and formats.
On the dressing room atmosphere:
Everyone in the dressing room is close to me. I can't point out one player who I am closest to. It is my second season now, and I feel at home. I have been looked after brilliantly.
On fielding coach Jonty Rhodes:
I have always enjoyed my fielding, and having Jonty around has made it special. He makes things very simple and is helpful on many aspects, not just fielding.
On MI's winning ways:
Last year, we lost just three games in the whole season. This year, we have started out well.
Everyone in the side is very positive and focused. We like to play like one team, and pull together towards a successful IPL season.
