Ahmedabad: An elated Ambati Rayudu yesterday said that his maiden hundred in international cricket will certainly be a &ldquo;special one&rdquo; as it took a long time to come.
Rayudu, who first time played for India A back in 2003 as a 18-year-old talent had lost his way in the middle joining unsanctioned Indian Cricket League (ICL), leaving Hyderabad for Andhra and subsequently joining Baroda.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/nov/07rayudu.jpg" alt="" /> Ambati Rayudu celebrates his maiden ODI ton during the second one-dayer against SL
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a special feeling as it&rsquo;s been a long wait,&rdquo; Rayudu said at the post-match presentation ceremony. Rayudu feels that since the team management gave him confidence, it was easier for him to showcase his skills at No 3 position which captain Kohli voluntarily vacated for him.
&ldquo;I think, more than anything, the confidence given to me by the coach, Virat and Dhoni bhai. All the members of the team management telling me, hang in there. I was not actually looking to get a hundred as such, just trying to stay unbeaten and see the team through and in the process I got to the hundred,&rdquo; said the soft-spoken former India U-19 captain. Asked if he would like to bat higher up the order like yesterday, Rayudu was diplomatic. &ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s left to the captain (keeping the No 3 position), so I'll stand by whatever decision he takes.&rdquo;
Skipper Kohli was impressed in the manner Rayudu grabbed the chance to bat higher up the order. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just giving the guys a bit of belief and confidence from my end,&rdquo; Kohli said.
The skipper said that Rayudu, who has been around in the first-class circuit for a long time deserved the chance.
&ldquo;Rayudu was in the India &lsquo;A&rsquo; team 12 years back, and it&rsquo;s all about giving him the opportunity that he deserved. He made full use of that.&rdquo;
Figure trigger
18 Number of runs conceded by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 10th over &mdash; the joint most expensive of his ODI career
12 Number of times since 2001 that Sri Lanka have lost a wicket in the first over against India

Tendulkar found dealing with selectors quite a task during captaincy

An elated Ambati Rayudu yesterday said that his maiden hundred in international cricket will certainly be a &ldquo;special one&rdquo; as it took a long time to come

Motera ODI: Ton-up Rayudu thanks team management for support

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Home / Sports / Cricket / Article / Motera ODI: Ton-up Rayudu thanks team management for support

Motera ODI: Ton-up Rayudu thanks team management for support

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