IPL 2018: Floater Rayudu fits fine into CSK's flexi plans

CHENNAI: Ambati Rayudu, in his maiden stint with Chennai Super Kings, was the first to arrive in Chennai in March and hit the strides all alone to prepare for the tournament.
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In the build up to the event, the big question was where would MS Dhoni fit in a floater like Rayudu in CSK's playing XI. However, Rayudu, who has played numerous match-winning cameos for Mumbai Indians over the years, maintained that he has evolved to be "adaptable and be flexible mentally" for various positions.
IPL 2018 Points Table
And Rayudu's adaptability came to the fore on Sunday against Sunrisers Hyderabad when CSK needed it the most.Rayudu, who had opened for CSK in the previous four games, came down at No 4 with CSK stuck in the mud at 32/2 in 7.1 overs.
In a sensational 112-run stand for the third wicket with Suresh Raina, Rayudu dished out a scintillating display of hitting and infused life into CSK's innings. The 32-year-old's knock wasn't just about power but it featured some exemplary skill such as scoops and dabs to an extent that it completely overshadowed a crafty half-century from Raina at the other end.
After bagging the Man of the match award, Rayudu said he enjoys the challenge of being the floater. "I'm actually happy to bat the way I wanted to. It's just hard work but I enjoy the challenges. Different situations mean different challenges and it's a motivation for me to keep it going," Rayudu said after his knock.
With a fit-again Faf du Plessis back for his first match of the season, Dhoni felt the best option was to have Rayudu bat down the order and let the SA skipper open. Dhoni reserved special words for the Hyderabad Ranji captain.
"Rayudu has been fantastic. When we selected the team, one of the things was where do we make him play. And I have seen him bat up the order at No. 3. Now that Faf is back, he has to open and Rayudu had to bat down. Whenever Rayudu plays the big shots, he maintains shape, which is very important," said Dhoni.
Although Dhoni understands the versatility of Rayudu, he believes Rayudu is "dangerous" at the top as an opener. "I have rated him highly. He can bat at all numbers, but I'd prefer to see him opening, where he looks very dangerous," added Dhoni.
For Rayudu, the trust shown by the CSK management was all that he needed to motivate himself. "I'm really happy. The faith they have me in actually pushes me to do a lot more. Today the ball was just stopping a bit, I tried a few different shots and I'm happy that it came off," said Rayudu.
SRH skipper Kane Williamson, who scored a magnificent 51-ball 84, appreciated Rayudu for his aggressive batting display on a tricky wicket.
"He played very well. To score at a strike rate of 200 plus (on that pitch) was an outstanding effort. He put the pressure back on us and certainly played a match-winning knock. Hats off to him," said the 27-year-old Kiwi captain.