Ambati Rayudu's hundred in Mumbai takes him closer to England

“We believe that (Ambati) Rayudu is the right person to capitalize because he's experienced and he has won many games for his state and in IPL cricket. He has a great one-day record already for India, so I think the batting order is sorted as far as we're concerned."

Those were the words Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, spoke before the first ODI against Windies. The captain had enough of solving the middle-order Rubik’s cube and decided to back the 33-year old Ambati Rayudu for the duration of the series. The Andhra batsman yesterday scored Indian middle-order’s first ODI century since January 2017 and vindicated the belief shown in him by the team management.

It was hometown hero Rohit Sharma who rightly hogged the limelight in the fourth ODI with his masterful 162. However, the importance of Ambati Rayudu’s knock of 100 from 81 balls cannot be overlooked. Unless destiny decides to alter a few scenarios, Rayudu’s hundred yesterday will be seen as the point at which India confirmed its top four batsmen for the 2019 World Cup.

In the first ODI, Rayudu walked out to bat with India needing 67 runs from 102 balls. He accompanied Rohit Sharma till the end and finished with 22 not out from 26 balls. In the following match, he added 139 runs in the partnership with Virat Kohli after the team had lost its openers early.

The third ODI offered Rayudu the chance of batting alongside Kohli in the chase. After getting a start of 22 runs, the number four batsman played a false shot and squandered the opportunity.

Number four batsman in the ODI batting lineup is the link between the heavy scorers and the quick scorers thus he needs to possess the qualities of both ends of the spectrum. He should be fluent at rotating the strike and should be courageous to go over the infield. He should be able to absorb the pressure when the chips are down and exert it on the opposition when the death overs begin. Ambati Rayudu ticks all these boxes.

Ambati Rayudu made his ODI debut in 2013 against Zimbabwe

When Rohit reached his century in the 33rd over, Rayudu was batting on 34 from 40 balls with three fours and a six. In the next 41 balls, he added 66 runs which included five boundaries and three sixes. Stability and explosion combined, Hyderabad captain surged to his third ODI century and “solved all the mysteries of number four position” as exclaimed by Rohit in the post-match interview.

At the Brabourne Stadium, Rayudu received his penultimate chance of the series to cement his batting position. Striding out to bat with the team on 101/2 in just 16 overs, Rayudu played the role of an anchor to the perfection. He knew Rohit was in his elements and all Rayudu had to do was not lose his wicket.

Rayudu’s journey to the Indian team has been a tale of contrasts. At the age of 16, he was lauded as an upcoming batting great. After reaching a few highs in the under-19 and Ranji Trophy circuits, Ambati faced the gloom as runs from his bat dried up. The boiling anger added barriers to his return and soon Rayudu found himself playing in ICL (Indian Cricket League) - the tournament structured to rival BCCI.

In 2009, Rayudu was accepted back in the fold and gained his reputation in the IPL while playing for Mumbai Indians. The debut for the Indian team did happen in 2013 but the batsman was more temporary than permanent. It was IPL 2018 that reignited Rayudu’s chances of donning the Blue jersey as he piled 602 runs in the victorious season for Chennai Super Kings.

After clearing the yo-yo test, decent returns in the Asia Cup 2018 helped Rayudu to slot himself at the number four spot with Virat Kohli coming back in the team. At the age of 33, Rayudu may not be in India’s long-term plans nevertheless there will be a sense of fulfillment if he strides out to bat in the Indian uniform at the World Cup 2019.