Rayudu: Three figures don't matter that much

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Cricket365
November 7, 2014

Batsman Ambati Rayudu relished the Man of the Match award, after India trumped Sri Lanka by six wickets in Thursday's second ODI at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad.

Rayudu struck a maiden century in international cricket. The fine vigil spanned 121 runs from a mere 118 deliveries, including 10 fours and four sixes – and stood at the fore of India's successful pursuit of a staunch 275-run target.

"I'm definitely happy that I got a ton, but for me personally, I don't think three figures matters as such – it's just about the team winning. When you play for India, whatever role that the team gives us, I'm just happy I can fulfil the role they have given me," said Rayudu.

The hard-hitting right-hander shared a convincing 122-run partnership with opener Shikhar Dhawan. The alliance proved particularly important, after the talented Ajinkya Rahane departed early.

"At the start we were just looking to get a partnership going after an early wicket, and we were picking and choosing our shots. It was not really planned as such, but we were motivated to see the team through. I was just trying to be safe and rotate the strike," he concluded.

The hosts boast a formidable two-nil lead in the five-match series. Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ranchi will host ODIs three, four and five on 9, 13 and 16 November respectively.