Ranji Trophy 2021-22: Ambati Rayudu set to play for Baroda in the upcoming domestic season

Chennai Super Kings batsman Ambati Rayudu, who is currently playing for the Andhra team, is all set to play for the Baroda team in Ranji Trophy 2021-22 season. The Andhra Ranji team cricketer will join Baroda Cricket Association's (BCA) camp to be organized after June this year. However, then he will start playing for the team in the upcoming season. This is the second time that Ambati will be playing for Baroda.

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"Ambati, a member of CSK in the Indian Premier League, had approached us and expressed his desire to play for Baroda. After discussion, the BCA's apex council agreed to rope him in for the Baroda team."

BCA CEO Shishir Hattangadi said

The presence of the thirty-six-year-old Ambati in the team is expected to help Baroda overcome its poor performance in the last Ranji season. However, they have already some experienced cricketers in the squad.

Baroda all-rounder Deepak Hooda quit the team last year after he was banned by the BCA on disciplinary grounds. Hooda had walked out of the team right ahead of a crucial T20 tournament last year after a verbal spat with Krunal Pandya.

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An experienced player like Hardik was not available to play for Baroda in Ranji Trophy the last season. Meanwhile, Krunal too opted out after playing just one match.

In November last year, Krunal had resigned from the Baroda team's captaincy after a dismal performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.

"Ambati's inclusion will help the team get a balance": Ajit Lele, BCA secretary

"Baroda currently has very few senior players and Ambati's inclusion will help the team get a balance. We need an experienced player like him to mentor the players and also perform in the team."

said Ajit Lele, BCA secretary

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Rayudu had joined the Baroda cricket team in the 2010-11 season and played for four seasons. After giving a good performance in the team, Ambati was even picked up for the Indian team in 2013.